Free Practice WorkbookYou can create Organizational Charts in Excel using SmartArt which I go through in this post here: Organizational Charts in Excel. You can also extend this concept to create a Dotted Line Organizational Chart but we need to think outside the square a little bit to make this happen.
Key Takeaways
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Show Informal Reporting Relationships – Dotted lines represent secondary or indirect reporting lines, commonly used to indicate matrix or project-based roles.
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Use SmartArt for Quick Charts – Excel’s SmartArt graphic tool includes an Organization Chart layout that can be customized to add dotted lines.
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Insert Dotted Lines Manually – Use the “Connector” line under Insert > Shapes, then format it as a dotted line to reflect non-primary relationships.
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Differentiate with Color and Style – Use line styles and colors to clearly distinguish solid-line (direct) from dotted-line (indirect) reporting relationships.
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Keep the Chart Simple and Scannable – Limit the number of dotted lines to avoid clutter and maintain visual clarity in larger org structures.
Table of Contents
How to Create Dotted Line Organizational Charts
Follow these steps:
STEP 1: To insert an Organizational Chart in Excel you have to go to the ribbon menu and select Insert > SmartArt > Hierarchy > Organizational Chart;
STEP 2: You can add organizational titles to each shape by clicking on each shape and manually entering the title you desire;
STEP 3: We then need to insert an extra line by going to Insert > Shapes > Lines > Elbow Connector;
STEP 4: To make the line thicker you need to click on the line and go to the Drawing Tools Format > Shape Outline > Weight > 3pt
STEP 5: To add a dotted line you need to click on the line and go to the Drawing Tools Format > Shape Outline > Dashes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dotted line relationship in an org chart?
It represents an indirect or secondary reporting relationship, such as a project manager overseeing someone who formally reports to another manager.
Can I create a dotted line org chart in Excel without SmartArt?
Yes. You can manually draw shapes and use the dashed connector lines from the Shapes menu to build a fully custom chart.
How do I format a line as dotted in Excel?
Right-click the line, choose Format Shape, go to Line Style, and select a Dash Type like “round dot” or “dash.”
Is there a SmartArt option that includes dotted lines?
Not by default. You’ll need to add connectors manually after inserting a SmartArt Org Chart if you want dotted lines.
What’s the best practice when using dotted lines?
Use them sparingly and consistently to ensure the organizational structure remains clear and easy to interpret.
John Michaloudis is a former accountant and finance analyst at General Electric, a Microsoft MVP since 2020, an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office over at his flagship MyExcelOnline Academy Online Course.
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