An organizational chart generally referred to as an org chart, is a visual representation of a company’s internal structure. Typically, an org chart shows the hierarchy of roles and responsibilities within the organization, as well as the relationships between different departments and teams. Creating an org chart takes precision and understanding the company’s overall hierarchy. Project Managers usually use different org chart software to create distinguished org charts. With the help of org chart software, you can easily visualize and manage your company’s hierarchy, improving communication and efficiency.
There are many org chart maker options available, and sometimes, first-time users of even businesses tend to get confused in choosing the best one that fits their needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you finalize the best org chart software, highlighting the pros and cons of each based on user reviews.
Here are six top options to consider for effectively organizing your business structure.
EdrawMax
EdrawMax is comprehensive diagramming software that allows users to create various diagrams and charts, including organizational charts, flowcharts, mind maps, network diagrams, and 280 others. It offers a user-friendly interface designed to keep beginners and first-timers in mind. EdrawMax’s robust feature set makes it suitable for users of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
One of the key strengths of EdrawMax is its extensive library of customizable org chart templates. Registered users can choose from a wide range of free templates that are tailored to different types of diagrams and charts and customize them to fit their specific needs. The software also includes a range of powerful tools for customizing and formatting diagrams, such as automatic formatting, data import and export, and the ability to add annotations and comments.
Pros:
- EdrawMax includes a wide range of features, including a precise algorithm that helps in automatic formatting, customizable templates, and 25,000+ symbols.
- EdrawMax comes with a user-generated template community, which makes it a unique feature compared to the other org chart software.
- Unlike other org chart makers, you are not limited to only making org charts with EdrawMax — the tool offers 3x of what MS Visio offers.
- It offers a variety of templates that can be customized to fit a variety of organizational structures and styles.
- The interface of EdrawMax comes close to MS Office’s interface, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- It also includes a range of collaboration features, including the ability to share and collaborate on the org chart with remote teams.
- This org chart tool is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and the Web, making it accessible to users on a variety of platforms.
- The org chart (automated) features help beginners create an org chart in just a few minutes.
Cons:
- EdrawMax’s integration options are limited compared to other org chart software tools.
- While EdrawMax is generally easy to use, some users may find features and options overwhelming.
Cost:
Free Version
Subscription Plan: $99/year
Website: https://www.edrawsoft.com
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is another org chart software with an intuitive interface that allows for easy creation and editing of org charts. The software integrates with other productivity tools like Google Suite and Microsoft Office, making it a good addition to any business. With its drag-and-drop functionality and pre-built templates, Lucidchart allows you to build custom org charts in minutes. Additionally, its advanced features like conditional formatting and role-based permissions provide added value to users looking for more than just basic functionality.
Pros:
- Lucidchart is intuitive and easy to use, with a range of templates and tutorials for beginners.
- The software is cloud-based, meaning that it can be accessed from any remote location.
- It offers a range of collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same chart simultaneously.
Cons:
- Some users have reported software performance issues, particularly when working with large and complex org charts.
- While Lucidchart offers a range of pricing plans, the cost can be high for larger teams or enterprise-level organizations.
- If you live in a no-internet zone, you cannot access Lucidchart.
Cost:
Free: Comes with three editable document
Individual Plan: $7.95/month
Team Plan: $9.00/user/month
Website: https://lucid.app/
SmartDraw
SmartDraw is another org chart software offering a user-friendly interface and customizable templates to help businesses streamline their operations. Just like EdrawMax, it also features an automated formatting tool that allows users to create and maintain visually appealing org charts quickly.
With over 4,500 customizable templates to choose from, SmartDraw makes it easy to create an org chart that fits your organization’s unique needs. Plus, the ability to integrate with commonly used business tools makes it straightforward to share and collaborate on projects in real time. All these features combined make SmartDraw an acceptable choice for businesses looking for org chart software.
Pros:
- SmartDraw’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
- It offers a variety of templates that can be customized to fit a variety of organizational structures and styles.
- It also includes many features, including drag-and-drop functionality, automatic updates, and importing data from other sources.
Cons:
- SmartDraw’s integration options are limited compared to other org chart software tools.
- SmartDraw’s collaboration features are less robust than other org chart software tools, making it less suitable for teams requiring frequent collaboration.
- While SmartDraw offers some customization options, they are not as extensive as some other org chart software.
- While SmartDraw is generally easy to use, some users may find that it has a steeper learning curve than other org chart software tools.
Price:
Single User: $9.95/month, billed annually
Multiple User (minimum of 5 users): $5.95/month, billed annually
Website: https://www.smartdraw.com
OrgChartPlus
OrgChartPlus is a good tool for creating org charts. This software allows users to easily create and customize org charts with drag-and-drop functionality, flexible formatting tools, and advanced layout options. One unique feature of OrgChartPlus is its automated re-structuring tool, which helps organizations easily adapt to changing business needs. Additionally, it offers real-time collaboration capabilities, making it easy for teams to work together on org chart planning and development.
This software allows users to generate detailed reports on their organizational structure, such as headcount by department or job function, diversity metrics, and more. The software also provides insights into staffing levels and succession planning, helping businesses make data-driven decisions about their workforce.
Pros:
- OrgChartPlus offers a range of customization options, allowing users to create org charts that reflect their organization’s unique structure and needs.
- The software includes robust data import and management features, making it easy to keep org charts up-to-date.
Cons:
- Some users have reported software performance issues, particularly when importing large amounts of data.
- While OrgChartPlus offers a range of customization options, some users have reported that the interface can be clunky and difficult to use.
- The tool is expensive and might not be suitable for beginners or small organizations.
Cost:
$30 per user per month
Website: https://salesmethods.com/product/orgchartplus/
Pingboard
Pingboard is a great option for businesses looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency. This org chart software offers a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to easily create, edit, and share org charts in real time.
Pingboard is also optimized for mobile use, making it easy to access and edit org charts on the go. Pingboard’s smart directory feature allows employees to find and connect with colleagues quickly, which can help foster a more collaborative environment. Another advantage of using Pingboard is its built-in security features allowing businesses to protect sensitive data easily.
Pros:
- Pingboard offers a range of templates and tutorials available for beginners.
- The software includes robust collaboration features, making it easy for teams to work together to create and update org charts.
Cons:
- The tool is not pocket friendly and is not recommended for students or beginners.
- While Pingboard offers a range of customization options, some users have reported that the software can limit visual styling and formatting.
Cost:
Basic: $149/month (paid annually) for 20 users
Essential: $299/month (paid annually) for 50 users
Pro: $399/month (paid annually) for 50 users
Website: https://pingboard.com/pricing
Organimi
Organimi is a cloud-based org chart software that provides businesses of all sizes with tools to create, customize, and share their org charts. With its user-friendly interface, businesses can easily build and modify org charts, add employee data, and create custom views tailored to their specific needs. Organimi also offers advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication and SSL encryption, protecting confidential data from unauthorized access.
This org chart software also allows for easy integration with popular HR systems, making it an attractive tool for small teams looking to streamline their HR operations.
Pros:
- Organimi lets you import CSV files to create org charts easily.
- It offers a range of fully customizable templates that can be tailored to fit different organizational structures and styles.
- Organimi can automatically update the org chart as changes are made, saving users time and effort.
Cons:
- While Organimi offers some customization options, they are not as extensive as some other org chart software tools.
- Organimi’s integration options are limited compared to other org chart software tools.
- Organimi’s feature set is less robust than other org chart software tools, making it less suitable for larger or more complex organizations.
Cost:
Basic: $18/month (for 150 employees)
Premium: $35/month (for 150 employees)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing an org chart software, it is important to keep a note of a range of factors, such as ease of use, customization options, feature set, collaboration features, and pricing. In this article, we have discussed six org chart software tools and compared them based on their pros and cons.
While each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, one software that stands out as the best option for beginners and professionals is EdrawMax. Its extensive feature set, customizable templates, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for users of all skill levels. Moreover, its collaboration features, automated org chart maker, CSV file data importer, and excellent customer support further enhance its value.
Overall, EdrawMax is a comprehensive and versatile tool that can help users easily create professional-quality org charts. Whether you are an HR manager, a business owner, or a student, EdrawMax can help you create customized org charts that meet your specific needs. If you are in the market for org chart software, we highly recommend giving EdrawMax a try.
