How to make an organogram

An organogram is a useful visual representation of a company’s inner structure. Whether used for internal management or strategic planning, organograms help maintain efficiency within an organization. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process to design a professional organogram.

What is an organogram?

An organogram, also known as organigram or organizational chart, is a structured diagram that illustrates the hierarchy within an organization. It helps visualize relationships, responsibilities, and reporting structures, making it easier for employees to understand their roles and workflow. There are several types of organograms, including:

• Hierarchical organogram – The most common type, displaying a top-down structure with leadership at the top and employees below.
• Matrix organogram – Represents a more complex structure where employees may report to multiple managers, often used in project-based or cross-functional teams.
• Flat organogram – Used in companies with minimal levels of hierarchy, promoting open communication and equal responsibility.
• Divisional organogram – Ideal for organizations divided by product lines, regions, or customer types, showcasing independent structures within a company.

Organograms are useful in various scenarios, such as onboarding new employees, restructuring teams, planning workforce management, and improving organizational efficiency. Choosing the right type depends on the company’s structure and communication needs.

How to create an organogram

Now that you know what an organogram is, let’s see how to create one.

We will use ONLYOFFICE editors as an example.

Method 1: Create an organogram using shapes and connectors

This method allows you to manually create an organogram using shapes and lines to represent the hierarchy.

1. Open an ONLYOFFICE editor of your choice and create a new file.

2. Navigate to the Insert tab in the toolbar, click Shape and choose a suitable shape (e.g., rectangle, oval, or rounded rectangle).

3. Go to Insert → Shape → Line. Select a line type (straight, elbow, or curved connector) to illustrate reporting relationships.

Now, you can customize the shapes.

1. Select a shape, go to the Shape settings tab, and choose a fill color.

2. Select a line, then change its thickness, color, or type (solid/dashed).

3. Double-click a shape and type in the job title or name of the individual.

Method 2: Create an organogram using SmartArt

ONLYOFFICE allows creating SmartArt-based organograms. Let’s see how to create one.

1. Open your file in one of ONLYOFFICE’s editors, then go to Insert → SmartArt.

2. Select Hierarchy and choose a template that fits your needs.

3. Enter text into each box to define the organization structure.

Method 3: Creating an organogram using the draw.io plugin

The draw.io plugin in ONLYOFFICE allows you to create more advanced organizational charts with better flexibility.

1. Open ONLYOFFICE’s chosen editor.

2. Click on the Plugins tab and select draw.io from the list of available plugins.

3. Once the plugin is open, select the Shape Tool to add organizational roles, then use lines and connectors to establish hierarchy

4. Drag and drop elements as needed for precise placement, then change colors, fonts, and line styles for a professional look.

This method is ideal for users who require more control over the design and prefer working with free-form drawing tools.

Watch this video to see the plugin in action!

Method 4: Use ONLYOFFICE ready-to-use templates

If you are looking for a pre-made chart, ONLYOFFICE got you covered.

Explore ONLYOFFICE’s templates library and download ready-to-use organizational charts.

Simply choose the one you like, launch the corresponding editor online, then enter your information and edit the template as you need. Once it’s ready, download the final document from the editor.

Additional tips for a professional organogram

• Use consistent colors to differentiate departments.
• Keep the hierarchy simple and clear for easy readability.
• Use bold text for key positions.
• Align and distribute shapes evenly for a polished look.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a visually appealing and well-structured organogram in ONLYOFFICE. Whether using SmartArt or plugins, ONLYOFFICE provides the tools needed to design an effective organizational chart.

Get ONLYOFFICE Editors

Want to try these features yourself? Download ONLYOFFICE Docs today and start creating professional organograms with ease. Try ONLYOFFICE online or download the desktop app:

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