Creating an organizational chart in Google Docs is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s all about using the Drawing tool to your advantage and arranging shapes and lines to represent the hierarchy of your organization. It’s a handy visual tool for showcasing the structure of your company or team. After reading this brief paragraph, you’ll have a grasp on how this task can be done swiftly and effectively.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Create an Org Chart Template in Google Docs
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for. An organizational chart, or org chart for short, is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and the relationships and relative ranks of its parts and positions/jobs. In the following steps, you’ll learn how to create a template for an org chart in Google Docs, which can be a real time-saver if you’ll need to create org charts regularly.
Step 1: Open Google Docs and Start a New Drawing
Open a new Google Doc and click on "Insert" then "Drawing" and finally "New".
This opens a new window where you’ll create your org chart. It’s a blank canvas waiting for your input!
Step 2: Use Shapes to Represent Positions
In the Drawing tool, click on the "Shape" button, then select the type of shape you want to use for your positions.
Generally, rectangles are a good choice for each position in your chart. They’re neat and uniform, which makes for a clean and professional-looking chart.
Step 3: Add Text to Your Shapes
Click on the shape and then click on the "Text box" button to add titles or names.
This is where you’ll add the job titles, department names, or staff names, depending on your org chart’s purpose. Make sure the text is readable and fits nicely within the shape.
Step 4: Connect Shapes with Lines
Use the "Line" tool to draw lines between the shapes to show relationships.
Lines are what turn your collection of shapes into a proper org chart. Be sure to use straight lines for direct reports and dotted lines for indirect relationships.
Step 5: Arrange Your Chart
Move and arrange shapes and lines to create a clear hierarchy.
It’s like putting together a puzzle – you might need to shift things around a few times to get the layout just right.
Step 6: Save and Insert Your Chart
Once you’re happy with the chart, click "Save and Close" to add it to your Google Doc.
Voila! You now have an org chart embedded in your document. And since it’s a template, you can easily update it as needed without starting from scratch.
After completing the steps above, you’ll have an org chart template that you can use and reuse in Google Docs. It’s a flexible tool that you can adjust as your organization grows or changes.
Tips for Creating an Org Chart Template in Google Docs
- Use color coding to differentiate between departments or levels of hierarchy.
- Keep the design simple and consistent for a professional appearance.
- Double-check the spelling of names and titles; accuracy is crucial.
- Consider the size of your chart – if it’s too large, it may be difficult to read.
- Use the "Grid" feature in the Drawing tool to align shapes evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best shape to use for the positions in an org chart?
Rectangles are generally the best choice for uniformity and clarity.
How do I show a person who has two positions in the org chart?
Use a single shape for the person, and connect it to both positions with lines.
Can I add photos to my org chart in Google Docs?
Yes, you can insert images into shapes to add a personal touch to your org chart.
How can I share my org chart with others?
You can share the Google Doc as you would with any other document, or download the chart as an image to share separately.
What should I do if my org chart is too large for one page?
Consider breaking it up into separate charts for different departments or levels.
Summary
- Open Google Docs and start a new drawing.
- Use shapes to represent positions.
- Add text to your shapes.
- Connect shapes with lines.
- Arrange your chart.
- Save and insert your chart.
Conclusion
Creating an org chart template in Google Docs is not only simple but also a practical skill that can greatly benefit your organizational needs. The steps outlined above provide a straightforward path to crafting a visual representation of your company’s hierarchy that is both professional and easy to understand. With the versatility that Google Docs offers, you have the ability to customize your org chart to fit the unique structure of your organization.
Remember, the key to a great org chart is clarity. Be thoughtful in your design choices, and always aim for a layout that is intuitive and informative for its viewers. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large corporation, an org chart serves as an essential tool for communication and planning.
While the process may seem daunting at first, once you’ve navigated through the steps a few times, it will become second nature. And with the tips provided, you’re well-equipped to tackle any org chart creation challenge that comes your way. Plus, the FAQ section is there to help clarify any lingering questions you may have.
In conclusion, embrace the power of Google Docs to streamline your organizational processes. With your newfound knowledge, go forth and create an org chart template that will serve as a valuable asset to your team. Happy charting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.