How to build an org chart from an Excel spreadsheet

Two routes: import the workbook into Studio for a maintainable chart, or use Excel SmartArt when the diagram must stay inside the workbook.

Build the chart from an Excel file

Studio accepts .xlsx workbooks directly.

Download the 2-sheet Excel example (Read me + People, 4 fictional rows) to try the sheet picker.

1. Put one person on each row. Name is the only required field. Include manager names or matching Employee ID and Manager ID columns to build reporting lines.
2. Open Org Chart Studio.
3. Under Use a spreadsheet, choose Choose spreadsheet and select the .xlsx file.
4. If more than 1 sheet contains data, Studio opens Choose a sheet to import. Check each sheet's name, row count, and column preview. Select the sheet that contains the roster, then choose Import this sheet. For the example workbook, choose People.
5. In Map spreadsheet columns, check the source headings, sample values, and Studio fields. Open a mapping dropdown to choose which Excel column supplies that Studio field. The value below the dropdown is a preview from one row, not an editable person field.
6. Choose Confirm & import, then compare the people and reporting lines with the workbook.

Written sequence:

1. Choose the full-name source column for Name.
2. For an ID-based workbook, choose its employee key for Employee ID and its matching manager key for Manager ID. Leave Manager Name unmapped.
3. Choose Confirm & import, then compare the people and reporting lines with the workbook.

If the workbook calls the column Employee name, Full name, or something else, choose that source heading for Studio's Name field. This mapping tells Studio where to read the data. To change a person's name after import, edit the person in People or on the chart.

Studio opens People after import. If a manager reference could not be resolved, it opens with Needs manager selected so you can repair the relationship. The spreadsheet import guide explains supported structures, row review, and troubleshooting.

If the current chart already contains people, Confirm & import opens Replace existing chart? Read the people count before continuing. Replace chart replaces the current chart, and this replacement cannot be undone. Choose Keep my chart to close the warning without replacing it.

To use a starter file, download the Excel import template. Replace its fictional rows, keep the headings you need, and save the workbook before importing.

Edit and update the imported chart

Use the chart for visual reporting changes. Select a card to add a direct report or coworker, edit the person, or drag them after checking the named drop outcome.

Use People to scan rows, edit fields, and set Reports to from a labeled control. The compact phone workspace also opens in People. Both views edit the same chart.

Open Themes for chart colors, fonts, cards, connectors, and department treatment. Preview uses sample people; Apply to chart puts the design on the current chart. Open Layout for spacing and team arrangement. People Undo does not reverse theme or layout changes.

When Excel receives a newer roster, open People and choose Update from spreadsheet. Inspect Review changes, then select the additions, updates, moves, and removals you want. Missing spreadsheet rows are not removed unless you select those removals. See how to update from a spreadsheet for the full review and Undo path.

Create an org chart inside Excel with SmartArt

Microsoft documents Organization Chart as a SmartArt layout in Excel and other Office applications. Ribbon wording varies slightly by version.

1. In Excel, choose Insert, then SmartArt. In some versions SmartArt sits in the Illustrations group.
2. Choose Hierarchy, select Organization Chart, and choose OK.
3. Open the Text Pane from the control on the edge of the graphic.
4. Type or paste the labels into the pane. Each bullet represents a box; indentation represents the hierarchy.
5. Select the closest existing box and use SmartArt Design > Add Shape to add a person before, after, above, or below it. Add Assistant is available for organization-chart layouts.
6. Select a manager and use SmartArt Design > Layout to choose Standard, Both, Left Hanging, or Right Hanging.
7. Use Change Colors or the SmartArt Styles gallery if the workbook needs a different presentation.

Microsoft's current SmartArt org-chart instructions also cover picture layouts, deleting boxes, dotted-line formatting, and hanging layouts.

SmartArt accepts pasted outline text, but Microsoft's documented flow does not turn an employee table into linked SmartArt that stays synchronized with the cells. Roster changes still need corresponding SmartArt edits.

Add a secondary relationship in Excel

Microsoft's supported method is to select a line in the SmartArt graphic, open Format Shape, choose the line settings, and select a dash type. This changes an existing connector. A relationship outside the hierarchy may need a separately drawn connector that you maintain as boxes move.

Define what the dotted line means, such as project oversight, so readers do not mistake it for the primary manager.

Save or export the Studio version

Before sign-in, Studio keeps a draft in the current browser. Sign in to save the chart to your account. Saved charts update automatically; wait for Saved before leaving after a change.

In Export, choose the whole organization or one manager's branch and inspect the preview. CSV is always free. An eligible PNG can be exported free with a watermark. Clean PNG, PDF, and editable PowerPoint need a pass or subscription.

FAQ

Can Excel generate an org chart from existing worksheet rows?

Excel provides Organization Chart SmartArt, but Microsoft's documented workflow uses boxes or pasted outline text rather than a live employee-table connection. Import the .xlsx into Studio when you want the rows to generate the hierarchy.

Which Excel columns does Studio require?

Only Name is required. Add Title and Department for context. Use manager names, or paired Employee ID and Manager ID columns, to create reporting lines.

Can Excel SmartArt show pictures?

Yes. Microsoft provides Picture Organization Chart and Circle Picture Hierarchy layouts with picture placeholders.

Can Excel show dotted reporting lines?

Microsoft documents changing a SmartArt connector's dash type through Format Shape. A relationship outside the primary hierarchy may need a separately drawn line maintained by hand.