Build an org chart in Visio

You can use many programs, including PowerPoint, to build organization charts. Visio builds the org chart for you, if you have your org's personnel data on a spreadsheet such as an Excel worksheet. This video shows how to generate an org chart, complete with photos automatically added and personnel information available at a click.

Before starting, you need to have a couple things ready:

• Your data source, such as Excel worksheet, database or Exchange directory. At minimum, this source should include each person's name and who they report to, so Visio can use it to build the chart's structure.

• A file with photos, if you want the chart to include them. Make sure that your spreadsheet includes the exact name of the photo file (for example, susansmith.jpg) so the photo is added to the right name on the chart.

If you set your Visio org chart to carry data from your spreadsheet, it can also be used as a dashboard to track performance, budget spending, and more. To learn more about this, see Enhance your data with data graphics.