Dotted Line Organizational Charts

You 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

• SmartArt helps you create an organizational chart quickly.
• Solid lines show direct reporting relationships.
• Dotted lines show indirect or secondary reporting.
• You can add dotted lines using Shapes and connectors.
• Keep the same line style throughout the chart.

What is a Dotted Line Organizational Chart?

A dotted-line organizational chart shows both direct and indirect reporting relationships within an organization.

• A solid line usually shows a direct reporting relationship.
• A dotted line shows a secondary or indirect relationship.

For example, a Marketing Executive may report directly to the Marketing Manager. However, the same employee may also work with a Project Manager on a specific project.

You can use a solid line for the Marketing Manager and a dotted line for the Project Manager.

 

How to Create Dotted Line Organizational Charts

STEP 1: To insert an Organizational Chart in Excel, you have to go to the ribbon menu and select Insert > SmartArt.

STEP 2: Click on Hierarchy > Organizational Chart.

STEP 3: You can add organizational titles to each shape by clicking it and manually entering the title you want.

STEP 4: We then need to insert an extra line by going to Insert > Shapes > Lines > Elbow Connector.

STEP 5: To make the line thicker, you need to click on the line and go to the Shape Format > Shape Outline > Weight > 3pt

STEP 6: To add a dotted line, you need to click on the line and go to the Shape Format > Shape Outline > Dashes

 

Create an Organizational Chart Using Shapes

If you do not have SmartArt, you can create an organizational chart using shapes.

• Go to Insert > Shapes > Select a rectangle.

• Draw the rectangle on your worksheet. Enter the employee’s name inside the shape.
• Copy and paste the rectangle to create more employee boxes.

• Go to Insert > Shapes > Line to join the boxes.

• Click on the Line > Shape Format > Shape Outline > Dashes > Dash to create a dotted line relationship.

 

Tips & Tricks

• Keep the layout simple and avoid adding unnecessary lines.
• Use solid lines only for direct reporting relationships.
• Use the same dotted line style for all secondary relationships.
• Make sure that there is enough space between the boxes so that the lines are easy to follow.
• You can add a small legend to explain the line styles.

 

FAQs

What is an org chart?

An organizational chart is a visual diagram that shows the structure of a company or team. It displays job roles, departments, and reporting relationships so you can easily see who reports to whom.

What is a dotted-line relationship in an org chart?

The dotted line relationship in an org chart 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 to format a line as dotted in Excel?

To format a line as dotted,

• Right-click the line
• Choose Format Shape
• Go to Line Style
• 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.

Can I change the thickness of a dotted line in Excel?

To change the thickness of the dotted line,

• Select the line
• Go to Shape Format > Shape Outline > Weight
• Choose a different line thickness