Organizational charts (or “org charts”) are crucial for any business. At the basic level, they help managers visualize the organizational hierarchy, identify potential and current issues, and develop strategies for improving the current organizational hierarchy.
But creating an org chart can be a complex and time-consuming task for many companies.
This is where org chart software comes in handy.
What is Org Chart Software?
Organizational chart software is a business software tool designed to help companies and management teams create and manage their org charts smoothly and conveniently.
At the basic level, org chart software typically includes the following features:
- Automatic layout – used for arranging the chart elements in a neat and orderly fashion.
- Drag-and-drop editing – makes adding, moving, or deleting chart elements easier.
- Export options – allows the user to share their org chart with others.
8 Features to Consider When Choosing an Org Chart Software
Choosing an organizational chart software boils down to the needs and preferences of the company or management.
For example, some organizational chart software is designed for specific departments, such as human resources or project management.
On the other hand, some organizational chart software is designed for general use.
That being said, here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing organizational chart software for your company or team:
1) Ease of use
One of the main reasons companies use organizational chart software is to have an easy and convenient way of creating and managing their organizational charts.
It only makes sense to say that the org chart software should be easy and convenient.
Good org chart software can be easily learned and used by anyone on the team. It should not require specialized training, and it should be user-friendly.
2) Scope of use
Some org chart software is designed for a specific department (e.g., HR or project management), while others are designed for general use. Consider which type of org chart software you would use.
If you want an org chart software that addressed the needs of a specific department, then consider an org chart software that was designed for that department. But if your team prefers flexibility, org chart software for general use would generally be a better choice.
3) Automatic layout
The best org chart software includes an automatic layout feature, rearranging the chart elements neatly and orderly. This is a time-saving feature that can be a big help when you’re creating large or complex charts.
4) Drag-and-drop editing
Another time-saving feature, drag-and-drop editing, allows you to easily add, delete, or move chart elements. This is especially useful when you’re making changes to an existing chart.
5) Export options
Look for an org chart software that allows you to export or share your chart in various formats such as PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. This makes it easier for you to share your chart with others.
6) Functionality
When selecting an org chart software, consider the functionality it offers. While org chart software generally offers the same basic functions, such as drag-and-drop editing and automatic layout, some org chart software may or may not offer the most practical functionality for your business needs.
7) Integration with other business applications
Like other business software tools, a good org chart software can be easily integrated with other business applications or software such as HR systems and CRMs. This is very helpful in ensuring that the data you have with your org chart software easily syncs with other software and vice-versa.
8) Price
Finally, consider the price before investing in an org chart software.
Like other business software tools, org chart software’s price can range from free to several hundred dollars. Choose an org chart software that will maximize the return on your investment.
7 Best Org Chart Software for 2022
As with anything, there is plenty of org chart software that you can choose from. If you are new to org chart software, you may not know which software to choose or where to start.
To help you choose which org chart software could best fit your needs, we’ve compiled a list of 7 org chart software based on their key features and pricing.
1. Creately
Best for User Interface
Creately is a cloud-based diagramming and collaboration platform that offers a wide range of features for creating diagrams, including organizational charts.
Teams utilize it to generate ideas, plan, manage projects, and capture information in one location.
It links and centralizes work items from many applications, documents, and individuals in a single spot.
This makes it simpler for teams to generate ideas, map processes, add specific details, and develop the systems required to execute the processes within Creately.
Creately blends visual collaboration and diagramming, workflow & project management, wikis, and note-keeping to create a no-code environment where users can create and model their own work operating system.
Creately is used by leading enterprises, including Netflix, Amazon, NASA, Disney, and PayPal, and is trusted by over 8 million users.
Key features
– Automatic layout
– Drag-and-drop editing
– Hundreds of built-in templates and symbols
– Online collaboration
– Export to PDF, PNG, and JPG
Pricing
- Free: $0 forever
- Personal: $4.00 per month
- Team plans: $4.75 per month
- Enterprise: A custom quote will be given when you contact their sales team
2. SmartDraw
Best for Ease of Use
SmartDraw is a desktop organizational chart software that offers a wide range of features and an intuitive interface.
SmartDraw helps everyone visualize anything, whether a flowchart, organizational chart, or network diagram for an enterprise or a floorplan or landscape diagram for a small business or individual.
Key features
– Automatic layout
– Drag-and-drop editing
– Thousands of built-in templates and symbols
– Export to PDF, PNG, and JPG
– Integration with Office 365 and Google Drive
Pricing
- Enterprise: Less than $1 per user/month (billed annually)
- Team: From $5.95 per user/month (billed annually)
- Individual: $9.95/month (billed annually)
3. Gliffy
Best for Ease of Use
Gliffy is a cloud-based diagramming platform that offers various features for creating diagrams, including organizational charts.
It is one of the most affordable platforms for org chart software.
It provides an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface for various diagrams and org charts, as well as the flexibility to modify colors, fonts, and styles across its numerous templates.
Key features
– Automatic layout
– Drag-and-drop editing