Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lucidchart - Create dynamic organization charts from data imports like Excel, HR systems, and Google Sheets with real-time collaboration.
- 2#2: Microsoft Visio - Professional diagramming tool for building detailed org charts integrated with Microsoft 365 and data sources.
- 3#3: Pingboard - Employee-focused org chart software that syncs with HR tools for interactive directories and team visualizations.
- 4#4: OrgChart Now - Dedicated org charting platform for importing HR data and generating automated, customizable hierarchy views.
- 5#5: SmartDraw - Automated diagramming software that quickly generates professional org charts from spreadsheets or lists.
- 6#6: Creately - Collaborative visual workspace for designing org charts with templates, drag-and-drop, and team editing.
- 7#7: diagrams.net - Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating customizable org charts with advanced layout algorithms.
- 8#8: Gliffy - Team diagramming app for org charts that integrates with Confluence, Jira, and other Atlassian tools.
- 9#9: Canva - User-friendly design platform with drag-and-drop org chart templates for quick visual hierarchies.
- 10#10: yEd Graph Editor - Free desktop tool for automatic layout of complex org charts and hierarchical diagrams from data.
Tools were selected based on key factors including feature versatility (data import, real-time collaboration, automation), user-friendliness (intuitive interfaces and flexible design), and value (catering to small teams through enterprise-grade solutions), ensuring they deliver robust, lasting utility across workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, pricing models, and usability of popular organization chart software, including Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, Pingboard, and SmartDraw, to help readers evaluate options for creating and managing organizational structures. It dives into aspects like collaborative tools, integration capabilities, and customization options, providing a clear snapshot of how each tool aligns with different professional needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucidchart Create dynamic organization charts from data imports like Excel, HR systems, and Google Sheets with real-time collaboration. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Microsoft Visio Professional diagramming tool for building detailed org charts integrated with Microsoft 365 and data sources. | enterprise | 8.9/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Pingboard Employee-focused org chart software that syncs with HR tools for interactive directories and team visualizations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | OrgChart Now Dedicated org charting platform for importing HR data and generating automated, customizable hierarchy views. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | SmartDraw Automated diagramming software that quickly generates professional org charts from spreadsheets or lists. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Creately Collaborative visual workspace for designing org charts with templates, drag-and-drop, and team editing. | creative_suite | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | diagrams.net Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating customizable org charts with advanced layout algorithms. | other | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | Gliffy Team diagramming app for org charts that integrates with Confluence, Jira, and other Atlassian tools. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Canva User-friendly design platform with drag-and-drop org chart templates for quick visual hierarchies. | creative_suite | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | yEd Graph Editor Free desktop tool for automatic layout of complex org charts and hierarchical diagrams from data. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Create dynamic organization charts from data imports like Excel, HR systems, and Google Sheets with real-time collaboration.
Professional diagramming tool for building detailed org charts integrated with Microsoft 365 and data sources.
Employee-focused org chart software that syncs with HR tools for interactive directories and team visualizations.
Dedicated org charting platform for importing HR data and generating automated, customizable hierarchy views.
Automated diagramming software that quickly generates professional org charts from spreadsheets or lists.
Collaborative visual workspace for designing org charts with templates, drag-and-drop, and team editing.
Free, open-source diagramming tool for creating customizable org charts with advanced layout algorithms.
Team diagramming app for org charts that integrates with Confluence, Jira, and other Atlassian tools.
User-friendly design platform with drag-and-drop org chart templates for quick visual hierarchies.
Free desktop tool for automatic layout of complex org charts and hierarchical diagrams from data.
Lucidchart
enterpriseCreate dynamic organization charts from data imports like Excel, HR systems, and Google Sheets with real-time collaboration.
Data-linked org charts that auto-update from live imports like Excel or HRIS systems
Lucidchart is a versatile cloud-based diagramming tool renowned for its robust organization chart capabilities, allowing users to create, edit, and visualize hierarchical structures effortlessly. It supports automated org chart generation by importing data from CSV, Excel, Google Sheets, or HR systems like BambooHR and Workday, with real-time syncing to reflect organizational changes. The platform excels in collaborative editing, custom styling, and integrations with tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack, making it a top choice for enterprise-level org charting.
Pros
- Automated org chart creation from data imports with live updates
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration and commenting
- Extensive template library and integrations with HR tools
Cons
- Free plan has significant limitations on documents and shapes
- Advanced features may require a steeper learning curve
- Pricing scales up quickly for large enterprises
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations needing dynamic, data-linked org charts with team collaboration and enterprise integrations.
Pricing
Free limited plan; Individual at $9/user/month (billed annually), Team at $10.83/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Microsoft Visio
enterpriseProfessional diagramming tool for building detailed org charts integrated with Microsoft 365 and data sources.
Automatic organization chart wizard with live data synchronization from Excel or Active Directory
Microsoft Visio is a comprehensive diagramming application from Microsoft, excelling in the creation of professional organization charts through intuitive wizards and templates. It supports automatic generation of org charts by importing data from Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, or Active Directory, enabling dynamic updates as employee information changes. With advanced customization options like themes, shapes, and data graphics, Visio produces polished, scalable diagrams suitable for enterprise use.
Pros
- Seamless data import from Excel, Active Directory, and other Microsoft sources for automatic org chart creation
- Dynamic linking keeps charts updated with live data changes
- Extensive customization with professional templates and themes
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-Microsoft power users
- Full features require paid desktop app; web version is limited
- Subscription model may not suit small teams or one-off needs
Best For
Enterprise teams embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem needing scalable, data-driven organization charts.
Pricing
Visio Plan 1 ($5/user/month, web-only); Visio Plan 2 ($15/user/month, desktop + web); included in some Microsoft 365 plans.
Pingboard
specializedEmployee-focused org chart software that syncs with HR tools for interactive directories and team visualizations.
Interactive, photo-rich org charts that expand/collapse dynamically with real-time HR data sync
Pingboard is an employee directory and interactive org chart platform that automatically generates visual organizational charts from HR data integrations. It offers a searchable people directory with employee photos, contact details, skills, and custom fields, accessible via web and mobile apps. The software excels in real-time syncing with HRIS like BambooHR, ADP, and Workday, making it ideal for visualizing team structures and remote workforces.
Pros
- Seamless HRIS integrations for automatic, real-time org chart updates
- Visually engaging interactive charts with photo directories and search
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Pricing scales per active employee, which can add up for large orgs
- Limited built-in reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Some advanced customizations require higher tiers
Best For
Mid-sized companies with HR integrations seeking an intuitive, visual org chart and directory solution.
Pricing
Starts at $4/active employee/month (Essential), $7/month (Plus), custom Enterprise pricing.
OrgChart Now
specializedDedicated org charting platform for importing HR data and generating automated, customizable hierarchy views.
Real-time bi-directional sync with HRIS platforms, keeping charts always up-to-date without manual exports
OrgChart Now is a cloud-based organizational charting software designed to automatically generate and manage dynamic org charts from HR data imports. It excels in integrating with major HRIS platforms like Workday, BambooHR, SAP SuccessFactors, and ADP, allowing real-time synchronization and updates. Users can edit charts via drag-and-drop, incorporate photos and skills data, and perform what-if scenario planning for restructuring.
Pros
- Seamless integrations with 100+ HRIS systems for automatic data syncing
- Advanced scenario planning and reporting tools for org design
- Handles large-scale enterprises with millions of employees efficiently
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small teams
- Advanced features have a learning curve for non-HR experts
- Limited customization in chart layouts compared to design-focused tools
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex HR systems needing automated, data-driven org charts and restructuring simulations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10-25 per employee/month for Pro/Enterprise plans, with annual contracts required.
SmartDraw
specializedAutomated diagramming software that quickly generates professional org charts from spreadsheets or lists.
Intelligent automation that auto-generates and perfectly formats complex org charts from imported data sources
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that specializes in creating professional organization charts, flowcharts, mind maps, and more, with strong automation for org structures. Users can import data from Excel, Outlook, or databases to automatically generate and layout hierarchical charts. It offers extensive customization, templates, and integration with Microsoft Office and Visio for seamless workflows.
Pros
- Automated layout engine produces polished org charts instantly from data imports
- Hundreds of customizable templates and shapes for quick starts
- Strong integrations with Office apps and Visio compatibility
Cons
- Subscription-only model with no perpetual license option
- Higher cost for advanced or enterprise features
- Overkill for users needing only basic org charts
Best For
Mid-sized businesses and teams needing versatile diagramming tools with robust org chart automation alongside other visuals.
Pricing
Starts at $9.95/user/month (billed annually); higher tiers up to $29.95/user/month for teams and enterprise plans.
Creately
creative_suiteCollaborative visual workspace for designing org charts with templates, drag-and-drop, and team editing.
Live data synchronization with HRIS platforms like BambooHR and Workday for automatically updating org charts
Creately is a collaborative online diagramming platform that enables users to create professional organization charts using drag-and-drop tools, templates, and data imports from CSV, Excel, or HR systems like BambooHR and Workday. It supports real-time team collaboration, auto-layout features, and customization options such as themes, shapes, and interactive elements. Ideal for visualizing hierarchies, it also integrates with productivity tools like Slack, Jira, and Microsoft Teams for seamless workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with smart auto-layout for quick org chart creation
- Real-time collaboration and live data sync from HR tools
- Extensive template library and integrations with popular apps
Cons
- Free plan has significant limitations like watermarks and file size caps
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, which can get expensive for large teams
- Less specialized for complex org chart analytics compared to dedicated HR tools
Best For
Mid-sized teams and HR professionals seeking collaborative, visually appealing org charts with data import capabilities.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $5/user/month (Starter), $10/user/month (Team, min 3 users), up to $25/user/month (Business) or Enterprise custom pricing.
diagrams.net
otherFree, open-source diagramming tool for creating customizable org charts with advanced layout algorithms.
Data-driven org chart creation from CSV/Excel imports with automatic hierarchical layout and connectors
diagrams.net (formerly Draw.io) is a free, open-source diagramming tool that supports creating professional organization charts using drag-and-drop shapes, hierarchical layouts, and data import from CSV or Excel files for automatic generation. It offers extensive customization options like themes, styles, and connectors, making it suitable for visualizing complex organizational structures. The tool works online via browser or offline with desktop apps, integrating seamlessly with cloud services like Google Drive and OneDrive.
Pros
- Completely free with no feature limitations or ads
- Automatic org chart generation from CSV/Excel data
- Highly customizable layouts, themes, and export options (PNG, PDF, SVG)
Cons
- Not specialized for org charts, lacking HR database integrations
- Advanced styling and layouts have a learning curve
- Real-time collaboration is functional but less polished than dedicated tools
Best For
Small to medium teams or individuals seeking a cost-free, versatile diagramming solution for custom organization charts.
Pricing
Entirely free for all users; no paid tiers or subscriptions required.
Gliffy
enterpriseTeam diagramming app for org charts that integrates with Confluence, Jira, and other Atlassian tools.
Native Atlassian integrations allowing org charts to be created, edited, and embedded live in Confluence and Jira pages
Gliffy is a web-based diagramming tool specializing in creating organization charts, flowcharts, UML diagrams, and more through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It supports importing employee data from CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets to auto-generate org charts, with options for customization, themes, and auto-layout features. Seamlessly integrated with Atlassian products like Confluence and Jira, it enables collaborative editing and embedding directly into team workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Confluence and Jira for embedded, collaborative org charts
- Drag-and-drop simplicity with data import for quick chart generation
- Professional themes and export options (PDF, PNG, SVG)
Cons
- Limited advanced org chart features like real-time HR data sync or interactive drill-downs
- Pricing scales per user and can get expensive for large teams
- Interface shows some age compared to modern competitors
Best For
Atlassian-using teams needing straightforward, embeddable org charts without complex HR integrations.
Pricing
Individual plan at $10/user/month; Team at $15/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom.
Canva
creative_suiteUser-friendly design platform with drag-and-drop org chart templates for quick visual hierarchies.
Vast collection of customizable, designer-quality org chart templates
Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that offers organization chart templates and drag-and-drop tools for creating visually appealing org charts. It allows users to customize layouts, add photos, and style elements easily for presentations or reports. While not a dedicated org chart tool, it supports basic hierarchical structures suitable for small to medium teams. However, it lacks automation, data import, and dynamic updates typical of specialized software.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick chart creation
- Extensive library of professional templates and design assets
- Generous free plan with export options
Cons
- No automatic org chart generation from data sources or spreadsheets
- Limited scalability for large, complex organizations
- Manual updates required for changes in hierarchy
Best For
Small teams or non-technical users needing simple, visually polished org charts for presentations without advanced data integration.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $12.99/user/month; Teams at $14.99/user/month (billed annually).
yEd Graph Editor
otherFree desktop tool for automatic layout of complex org charts and hierarchical diagrams from data.
Advanced automatic layout algorithms that rearrange entire org charts perfectly in one click based on hierarchical data.
yEd Graph Editor is a free, cross-platform desktop application from yWorks specialized in creating professional diagrams, including organization charts, through powerful automatic layout algorithms. It supports importing data from Excel, XML, or other formats to generate hierarchical org charts quickly and applies layouts like tree, hierarchical, or radial styles for optimal visualization. Users can customize nodes with shapes, icons, and labels, making it suitable for complex structures, though it lacks native collaboration features.
Pros
- Completely free with no limitations or subscriptions
- Exceptional automatic layout algorithms for instant org chart arrangement
- Handles large-scale organization charts with thousands of nodes efficiently
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and advanced options
- No real-time collaboration or cloud syncing capabilities
- Desktop-only with no mobile support or easy sharing integrations
Best For
Technical users or IT professionals needing offline, data-driven organization charts with precise customization.
Pricing
100% free for all features, no paid tiers or trials required.
Conclusion
The top tools excel in different aspects, with Lucidchart leading as the best choice for dynamic, real-time collaboration and data integration. Microsoft Visio stands out for its professional depth and seamless Microsoft 365 integration, while Pingboard shines with employee-focused sync and interactive directory features. Together, they offer solutions for diverse needs in mapping team hierarchies.
Ready to visualize your structure effectively? Lucidchart’s intuitive interface and collaborative tools make it the clear top pick—start exploring its capabilities to streamline your organizational mapping needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
