Change the style and width of lines connecting SmartArt shapes

In SmartArt layouts that include connecting lines, such as Organization Charts or Radial Lists, you can change the color, style, and width of the lines connecting the shapes. You can also add effects, such as shadows and glows, to your lines.

What do you want to do?

Change the color or style of a line

Apply an effect to a line

Change the color or style of a line

1. Select the line within the SmartArt graphic.

   To change multiple lines, click the first line, and then press and hold Ctrl while you click the additional lines.

2. Under SmartArt Tools, on the Format tab, in the Shape Styles group, click the arrow next to Shape Outline.

   
   The Shape Styles group under the SmartArt Tools Format tab.

   If you do not see the SmartArt Tools or Format tab, make sure that you have selected a SmartArt graphic. You might have to double-click the shape to open the Format tab..

3. Do one of the following:

   • Select a color from Theme Colors or Standard Colors. Standard colors are not changed when you change the file theme.

     Tip:  To customize your line even further, click More Outline Colors, and then select the exact shade and transparency that you want. Custom colors are also not changed when you change the file theme.

   • Click Weight, and then select a width for the line, or click More Lines to specify your own width.

   • Click Dashes, and then select a line style from the list, or click More Lines to create your own style.

   • Click Arrows, and then select an arrow head from the list, or click More Arrows to customize the arrow.

Tip: Use dotted lines in a hierarchy or radial diagram to show different types of relationship.

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Apply an effect to a line

1. Select the line within the SmartArt graphic.

   To change multiple lines, click the first line, and then press and hold Ctrl while you click the additional lines.

2. Under SmartArt Tools, on the Format tab, in the Shape Styles group, click the arrow next to Shape Effects.

   
   The Shape Styles group under the SmartArt Tools Format tab.

   If you do not see the SmartArt Tools or Format tab, make sure that you have selected a SmartArt graphic. You might have to double-click the shape to open the Format tab.

3. Point to an effect and then pick one from the list.

   

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