When should I use a SmartArt graphic and when should I use a chart?




  • Create an organization chart.
  • Show hierarchy, such as a decision tree.
  • Illustrate steps or stages in a process or workflow.
  • List information.
  • Show cyclical or repetitive information.
  • Show a relationship between parts, such as overlapping concepts.
  • Create a matrix illustration.
  • Show proportional or hierarchical information in a pyramid illustration.

To create a SmartArt graphic, see Create a SmartArt graphic. For help with deciding which SmartArt graphic layout to use, see Choose a SmartArt graphic.


  • Create a bar chart or column chart.
  • Link to live data in a Microsoft Excel workbook.

To create a chart in Excel, see Create a chart from start to finish. To add a chart to your Word document, see Add a chart to your document. For help with deciding which type of chart to use, see Available chart types.

Maikakapit sa: