How to make diagrams in the "Word": a detailed guide

The fastest way to illustrate a process is to display a graphic or diagram. However, this means that you have to re-do it every time there are any changes. In order to display the data instantly, as well as automatically update them, try using Microsoft Word. This editor is equipped with a tool that automatically generates hierarchical schemas. So, how to make diagrams in "Word"?

Step 1

Start Microsoft Word. To add a chart to an existing document, open the file and navigate to the desired location. Press "Ctrl + Enter" to add a new page. Otherwise, the program starts a new blank document when it is opened.

Step 2

Click the "Insert" tab. Click the "SmartArt" button on the ribbon, and the "Select SmartArt Timeline" pop-up window will open.

Step 3

Click on the "Organization Chart" link in the left column. Review the various options offered by the editor. All sentences are displayed by default, so you can change the colors and add rows and cells in the following steps at your discretion. Continuing to follow the instruction, which shows how to build a diagram in Word, select the most suitable variant for your data.

Step 4

The next step for those who are learning how to make diagrams in Word: click on the top cell on the graph that can display "[Text]" by default. Enter a name and, if desired, a description of the guiding process in your schema.

Step 5

Make a transition to the next rectangle that is displayed below the first one. Enter the name of the next most important process. Most of the patterns in this diagram contain three default rectangles. If you need to enter one or two values in this branch, click the field and press the "Delete" key. If you have more than three categories that you need to display, click on any rectangle several times in a row, and then click the "Add Shapes" menu located in the main ribbon. Click the Add Shape button to add another rectangle to the selected branch. Continue to do this until all of your values that are on the same level are entered.

Step 6

Click on the rectangle in the second row, and then on the "Add figure" button. This creates the next, lower, level in the organizational hierarchy. Add the desired number of rectangles to enter all your values located at this level. Continue adding fields and lines as needed. Note that when you add new items, Word will automatically compress the chart to place it on one page.

Step 7

Following the step-by-step instructions on how to make charts in the "Word", now use the menu to establish links and confirm the hierarchical foundations of your diagram.

Step 8

Click the "Change Colors" button on the ribbon. Choose a different set of colors if you do not want to save the blue chart created by the program by default. You can also change the individual colors on your chart. Click on one or more rectangles while holding down the "Ctrl" key, and then - on each rectangle to change its color. Right-click on any of the selected items and select Format Shape. Continuing to follow the instructions on how to draw a diagram in the "Word", in the "Fill" window, select a new color.

Step 9

Click the "File" tab and select "Save As". Enter the name of the organizational structure and choose where to save the file. Click the "Save" button.

In some earlier versions of the program, for example, 2007, the solution to how to make diagrams in Word is done in the same way, with the only difference being that you must use the Control button instead of the File tab.