Inserting SmartArt Diagrams

When you need to create an illustration such as an organization chart, a flow chart, or a Venn diagram, use the SmartArt feature. Follow these steps:

1. Position the insertion point or the selection where you want to insert the SmartArt object.
2. Click the SmartArt tab on the Ribbon to display its contents. You can also display this tab by choosing Insert SmartArt Graphic from the menu bar.
3. In the Insert SmartArt Graphic box, click the button for the category of SmartArt graphic you want to create: List, Process, Cycle, Hierarchy, Relationship, Picture, or Other. A panel opens, showing the available types. Figure 9–20 shows the Hierarchy panel, which includes various kinds of organization charts.
   

   Figure 9–20. Open the panel for the category of SmartArt graphics you want, and then click the type of graphic.

4. Click the type of graphic you want. Excel inserts it in the workbook and displays the Text Pane (see Figure 9–21).
   

   Figure 9–21. When you insert a SmartArt graphic, Excel displays the Text Pane next to it so that you can enter text.

   NOTE: If Excel doesn't display the Text Pane, click the Text Pane button at the upper-left corner of the SmartArt graphic to display the Text Pane. You can also click this button to hide the Text Pane when you don't need it.

5. In the Text Pane, type the text for each item. As you do, Excel adds the text to the SmartArt graphic (see Figure 9–22).
   

   Figure 9–22. Add the text to the SmartArt graphic by typing in the Text Pane.

6. Add any other items the SmartArt graphic needs. For example, to add the titles to the org chart shown, click in each title placeholder, and then type the title.
7. Resize the SmartArt graphic to suit the workbook best. For example, you may need to make it the right size to go alongside related data.
8. If you need to change the layout of the SmartArt graphic, choose another layout from the Change SmartArt Graphic group on the SmartArt tab of the Ribbon.
9. Apply a style to the SmartArt graphic by choosing a style from the Quick Styles box or the panel in the SmartArt Graphic Styles group on the SmartArt tab.

When you have finished creating the SmartArt graphic, save the workbook as usual.