Creating Organization Charts: Graphics

Summary

This article covers graphics when creating organization charts.

Body

Please note: This demonstration was made in PowerPoint; however, these directions apply in both Word and PowerPoint applications.

Change the Layout of Single Page in the Document

  1. Place the cursor at the end of the content on the page prior to the page you want to change.
  2. Go to the Layout tab in the toolbar ribbon.
  3. Select Breaks, under Section Breaks, select Next Page.
  4. Move the cursor to the end of the page you wish to change to landscape orientation.
  5. Select Breaks, under Section Breaks, select Next Page.
  6. Click anywhere on the page you wish to change to landscape orientation.
  7. Go to Layout > Orientation > Landscape.

Change the Page or Slide Size

  1. In PowerPoint, select the Design tab of the toolbar ribbon.
  2. Go to Design > Slide size > Custom Slide Size. 
    1. In Microsoft Word this is found under layout>size
  3. Under Slide Size, select 17 inches (width) by 11 inches (height).
  4. Click the Save button. ​​​​​​
    1. A message may pop up asking you about scaling to a new slide size. Choose Maximize.

Insert a SmartArt Graphic

  1. Select the Insert tab in the toolbar ribbon.
  2. Select SmartArt Graphic.
  3. Select Hierarchy from the left-hand list.
  4. Select the first organization chart.

Edit SmartArt Design and Text

  1. If not selected, Select the Organizational Chart.
  2. In the top toolbar ribbon, underneath the SmartArt Design, select Dark 1 outline.

Screen Reader Reading Order

  1. Select any text box to edit the text.
    1. Go to SmartArt DesignText Pane to view the order screen readers will read the content.
  2. Select a Sans Serif font in at least 12-point font.

Add or Reorganize Text Boxes

  1. Select SmartArt DesignText Pane.
  2. Select the text box you want to change.
  3. Choose Add Shape to insert a new box.
  4. To change hierarchy levels, use the Text Pane:
    1. Press Tab to move an item down a level
    2. Use Shift + Tab to move it up a level

Reorganize Text Boxes

  • Select a text box and drag it from the corner to move it. Fine‑tuning box size and position is often required in both Word and PowerPoint.

Reviewing for Accessibility

  1. Go to Review → Check Accessibility.
  2. Confirm the chart meets WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA requirements, including:
    1. Font size
    2. Clear titles
    3. Adequate color contrast
    4. Alternative text for images
      1. Note: When prompted for alt text, provide alt text for the entire organization chart, not individual text boxes.
  3. If additional information is needed for record‑keeping but not for readers, place it in the Notes section.

Details

Details

Article ID: 164552
Created
Thu 5/21/26 10:42 AM
Modified
Tue 5/26/26 12:54 PM