8 Best Org Chart Software for Teams: My Honest Review

When I first started collaborating across departments, I thought I had a decent grasp of who did what and how our teams worked. That confidence faded the moment I was looped into a project where I had no idea who reported to whom or, worse, who the right person to ask for help was. Sound familiar?

In growing organizations, especially where teams are hybrid or fully remote, clearly understanding reporting lines and team structures isn’t just an HR problem—it’s a company-wide need. The lack of a clear org chart isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it makes cross-team collaboration slower and more complicated than it needs to be.

That’s what sparked my deep dive into the best org chart software. From visualizing team hierarchies to helping new hires feel more connected, these tools can make a real difference. I tested over 20 platforms, from simple drag-and-drop tools to fully integrated solutions, to find the ones that deliver the best mix of usability, automation, and customization.

Here’s a rundown of the best org chart creator I discovered. Each offers unique features, whether you’re trying to onboard employees more effectively or simply want your workplace to feel less chaotic. Let’s get into it!

Best org chart software I recommend

The idea behind org chart software seems simple: a tool that maps out your team, visually representing reporting lines, roles, and responsibilities. But as I dug deeper, I realized the best org chart software doesn’t just generate visuals; it pulls data directly from HR systems, allows for real-time updates, and makes it easy to customize charts for different purposes.

Whether you need to scale your organization, onboard new hires smoothly, or adjust to shifting team dynamics, this list has something for you.

What do I look for in an org chart creator?

I considered the following factors when evaluating the best organizational chart maker.

• Data integration: I’ll admit, I, as a person, don’t have the patience to manually update any data every time. That’s why tools that could pull real-time data from HR systems whenever there’s a new hire or a team reshuffle are a huge win for me. With automatic syncing, there’s no need to worry about outdated information or missing someone’s promotion. It was reassuring to know that as the organization changes, the org chart will stay accurate without extra work on my part. Honestly, anything that saves me from repetitive tasks is a big deal.
• Customization: Not all teams or audiences need the same level of detail, and the tools that let me tailor layouts, themes, and even the level of hierarchy displayed were the most practical. For instance, when presenting a high-level chart, I could focus only on top-level reporting lines or go granular for department-specific charts, showing every role and responsibility. Having options to tweak colors or align charts with branding was a nice touch.
• Collaboration features: Org charts aren’t static, and the tools that allowed me to collaborate with others stood out. I could share charts with stakeholders, gather feedback, and even add comments directly within the platform. Plus, having cloud-based features makes it easy to share information with remote team members without a hitch.
• Visualization options: Org charts need to look good if you’re showing them in a presentation or onboarding materials. I loved tools that offered multiple visualization styles, from clean tree diagrams to flow-based designs and with the ability to highlight specific roles or departments with custom colors or shapes. Bonus points for any tool that made it easy to export these visuals in high quality.
• Privacy and security: Handling employee data comes with a lot of responsibility, and I prioritized tools that took privacy seriously. Features like role-based access made sure only the right people could view or edit certain parts of the chart, which was a huge relief. I also made it a point to look for tools that complied with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or had Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 certification. Knowing that the software was built with data protection in mind made me confident I wasn’t compromising sensitive information, especially when dealing with things like salary bands or personal details.
• Ease of updates: Companies change frequently with roles shifting, people moving teams, and new hires coming on board all the time. That’s why I gravitated toward tools that made updates quick and painless with either drag-and-drop editing or automatic data syncs. 

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the org chart software category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Include the specific functionality to create business organizational charts
• Allow users to upload employee roster lists
• Offer custom org chart design options
• Enable users to publish and update org charts as needed

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite

Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite easily transforms complex ideas into clean and professional visuals. Whether you’re designing flowcharts, architecture diagrams, or even organizational charts, the platform brings clarity and structure to your concepts. 

One of my favorite things about Lucid is how easy it is to collaborate with my team in real time. We can all edit the same diagram simultaneously, and changes show up instantly, which makes brainstorming sessions and process mapping so much smoother. It’s like having a shared digital workspace where everyone’s ideas come together effortlessly. Plus, the comments and version history features help me keep track of feedback without losing the original flow of work.

I can’t overstate how much time the AI feature has saved me. Whenever I feel stuck staring at a blank canvas, I just describe what I need—a flowchart, process map, or even a decision tree—and Lucid’s AI generates a starting point for me. It’s not just a template; it’s tailored enough to give me a head start while still leaving room for customization. I love how this feature bridges the gap between functionality and creativity.

For someone like me who’s always jumping between tools, Lucid’s integrations are a lifesaver. I can connect it to Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, which means I can access my diagrams from wherever I’m working. Sharing files is just as simple, thanks to the ability to export in multiple formats like PDF, PNG, SVG, or even Visio files.

As much as I enjoy designing diagrams, aligning and spacing elements can be a bit of a hassle. I’ve often had to manually tweak everything to make it look polished. For someone who values clean visuals, this can be a bit frustrating, and I’d love to see more advanced alignment tools in the future.

Lucid also heavily relies on an internet connection, and there’s no robust offline mode, so if I’m in an area with spotty internet or want to work without distractions, I’m out of luck. This makes it less practical for those moments when connectivity isn’t guaranteed, especially during travel or remote work.

Lastly, when working on highly complex diagrams with a lot of elements, Lucid can sometimes slow down or become less responsive. It’s not a frequent issue, but for users handling massive projects, the lag can be frustrating and interrupt productivity.

What I dislike about Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite:

• While Lucid is user-friendly for basic tasks, I found that some of the more advanced features require a bit of a learning curve. Features like conditional formatting or detailed workflow diagrams aren’t immediately intuitive.
• The free version is also restrictive. It has about 100 templates and 60 shapes, and only basic data-linking features are available. You have to pay to get storage, more import and export options, and premium templates.

What G2 users dislike about Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite:

“As much as I love Lucidspark, there are a few things that could be better. The mobile version, for example, feels a bit limited compared to the desktop app. If I’m on the go and need to make quick edits, it’s not as smooth as I’d like. Also, working on really big diagrams can feel a bit clunky on older devices.”

- Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite Review, Carlos L.

2. Creately

Creately simplifies organizational design and visual planning. Everything is in one place, whether mapping an org chart, creating process flows, or coordinating team goals.

One of the first things I noticed about Creately is its impressive range of templates. From org charts to project timelines, you'll find ready-made frameworks for almost any use case, and these templates are also incredibly customizable. I can add my branding, tweak layouts, and add specific data points. This feature cuts down hours of work. Plus, the visual clarity of these templates ensures they're presentation-ready, which is a big win when sharing with stakeholders or clients.

I also found it incredibly helpful that data can be directly connected to the visuals. I can add personal summaries, goal trees, or even 1:1 meeting notes, all within the chart itself. Updates sync across every instance of the chart, so there's no need to worry about inconsistent information. For HR teams or managers handling objective and key results (OKRs) and key performance indicator (KPIs), this feature keeps everything aligned and easy to access. Adding attachments, notes, or additional data to individual shapes makes it a comprehensive hub for organizational planning needs.

Navigating Creately is also breezy. I found the interface to be intuitive, with a drag-and-drop system that works seamlessly. The design made it easy for me to dive in right away. I loved how all the customization options, like adjusting connectors or rearranging nodes, were accessible without feeling overwhelming. This balance of simplicity and depth ensures you can focus on creativity and strategy rather than getting bogged down by technicalities.

I've encountered occasional lag during complex projects with many interconnected elements. While it doesn't happen often, when it does, it can slow down productivity, especially when working on tight deadlines. It's something to consider if you're handling particularly large or detailed diagrams.

While Creately's mobile app is handy for quick edits or viewing diagrams, it doesn't deliver the full functionality of the desktop version. Features like real-time collaboration and advanced editing tools are less refined, which can be frustrating if you're working on the go.

I also felt like the range for integrations is limited. For example, seamless connections with tools like Asana or Monday.com are missing, which could be a downside for teams heavily reliant on those platforms. This limitation makes it harder to streamline workflows fully if your team depends on a broader software ecosystem.

What I dislike about Creately:

• While Creately’s free version is great for getting a feel for the tool, I quickly noticed its collaboration features are pretty restricted.
• Some of the more advanced features, like version history and advanced shape libraries, are locked behind the higher-tier plans.
  

What G2 users dislike about Creately:

“The least helpful aspect of Creately might be its limited functionality in the free plan, which may restrict users from fully experiencing the platform's capabilities without upgrading to a paid subscription. Additionally, since Creately is a cloud-based tool, it requires a stable internet connection to access and work on diagrams. This dependency on internet connectivity may pose challenges for users in areas with poor internet infrastructure.”

- Creately Review, Padilla P.

3. Sift

Sift makes navigating a large organization feel personal and connected. Its clean interface and straightforward functionality make it easy to dive right in. 

One of my favorite features is the ability to view detailed organizational charts. Sift doesn't just show who reports to whom; it gives you insights into teammates' roles, responsibilities, and even their interests. This feature adds immense value for someone like me, who loves connecting with colleagues across different teams. It's like having a window into your company's network, helping you understand not just the hierarchy but the people behind the titles.

Sift even let me showcase open roles directly on the organizational chart. This feature helps drive internal advancement and allows team members to visualize which department the roles are in, the team they'd collaborate with, and their direct report. It fosters transparency and creates opportunities for career growth within the organization.

I also like Sift's integration with Microsoft Teams. It's a convenient feature for users relying on Teams for collaboration. I could access many of Sift's functionalities directly within Teams, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications.

While Sift excels as an organizational tool, I noticed that updates to team structures or responsibilities sometimes lagged behind organizational changes. This lack of real-time updates meant profiles occasionally contained outdated information, which could create confusion when navigating the platform.

The absence of a built-in messaging system is another gap. If I'm looking at someone's profile, it's natural to want to send them a quick message. A simple chat feature within Sift would save time and add a layer of functionality that many users, including myself, would appreciate.

What I dislike about Sift:

• The interface is pretty intuitive, but I've sometimes found it hard to edit my profile. It's not always easy to figure out how to make certain changes, which can be frustrating.
• The options under "skills" when adding to your profile are quite limited. I'd love to see a wider range of skills to better reflect what team members bring to the table.

What G2 users dislike about Sift:

“During organizational changes, Sift sometimes displays incorrect information or experiences delays in updating the information accurately.”

- Sift Review, Brandon A.

4. Visio

Microsoft Visio offers a lot of features for creating professional diagrams, from detailed flowcharts to complex organizational maps.

What stood out to me was the sheer number of templates available in Visio. Whether you're building a process flow, a network diagram, or an org chart, there's a starting point for everything. I also loved that it integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools to generate org charts from data sources such as Excel, Exchange, or Microsoft Entra ID. It's a real time saver for HR teams or managers looking to visually map their departments without manually inputting every detail.

Visio's drag-and-drop interface is incredibly intuitive. I can create complex diagrams by simply dragging shapes, connecting arrows, and customizing layouts. But what really sets it apart is the ability to embed shape data. It makes Visio not just a drawing tool but a robust documentation system for technical workflows.

I also found Visio's customization features highly flexible. From adjusting colors and line weights to adding intricate details, you can design diagrams that match your brand or specific project needs. The ability to reverse-engineer database diagrams and even incorporate elements from third-party stencils adds an advanced layer of functionality.

While Visio excels in functionality, the user interface feels dated. For a tool this powerful, I expected a more modern, visually appealing workspace. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's something that stands out when compared to competitors with sleeker designs.

In larger organizations, collaboration can feel clunky. The lack of robust collaborative controls slows down workflows, especially when multiple users work on the same diagram.

Finally, even though I found the basics easy to pick up, diving into advanced features came with a learning curve. Beginners or those unfamiliar with Microsoft products might feel frustrated by how much effort it takes to create highly detailed or technical diagrams. 

What I dislike about Visio:

• Sharing diagrams with non-Visio users can be frustrating. Since Visio files aren’t universally accessible, I often had to export my work as a PDF or an image to share it with others.
• Although functional, I find the interface a bit dated. The workspace doesn’t offer the same sleek, modern design that newer tools in the market provide.

What G2 users dislike about Visio:

“Diagramming is difficult and slow. Making connections is time-consuming. And it isn't easy to modify all of one shape at once, you have to do each one separately.”

- Visio Review, Todd W.

5. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a versatile tool that lets you create mind maps, engineering diagrams, floor plans, infographics, and much more beyond org charts.

One of my favorite things about SmartDraw is how it handles adjustments for me. I can add, delete, or move shapes and the platform automatically updates the diagram, maintaining all the connections perfectly. This diagramming AI feature is a lifesaver for someone like me who doesn't want to spend hours manually tweaking layouts. Whether I'm working on a complex org chart or a network diagram, this automation ensures my visuals are always clean, logical, and professional without extra effort.

I also love the ability to apply a coordinating color scheme to any diagram in one click. It's perfect when I'm in a rush but still want my visuals to look polished and on-brand. What's even better is the ability to create themes for team-wide consistency. This feature ensures everyone's work looks cohesive across different diagrams when collaborating on larger projects. It's a simple feature but makes a big difference when presenting to clients or stakeholders.

Then, there's the shape data feature to bridge design and functionality. I can assign data fields and values to any shape, and that information appears in a tooltip or the data panel without cluttering the diagram itself. For example, when creating an org chart, I can add employee details like job titles, contact information, or department codes to each shape. It makes the diagram smarter and more interactive. Plus, importing and exporting this data is seamless.

There are a few challenges with SmartDraw worth noting. Even though the tool is incredibly versatile, I’ve noticed that certain elements don’t offer the level of customization I’d hoped for. For example, while the templates and diagrams cover a wide range of use cases, tweaking highly specific aspects like advanced formatting or adding unique shapes can feel limiting compared to specialized software. It’s not a dealbreaker for most projects, but you might run into roadblocks if you’re someone with very niche requirements.

As much as I appreciate the intuitive drag-and-drop interface, not everything is straightforward. Some features feel tucked away or unintuitive, especially when diving into more advanced capabilities. I found myself googling or clicking around quite a bit when I first got started. 

Another thing I wish is that SmartDraw would offer an annual subscription model. While it’s a fair value considering everything the tool offers, I know that not everyone wants to commit to a full year upfront. It would be nice to have the flexibility of a monthly payment plan for those who need the software for a shorter project or want to test the waters before committing long-term.

What I dislike about SmartDraw:

• One thing I’ve noticed about SmartDraw is that it can be a bit demanding on system resources. If you’re working on a less powerful computer, you might experience slower performance, especially with larger, more complex diagrams.
• While SmartDraw excels in offering a wide array of templates and symbols, its customization options might feel a bit restrictive for users with more specialized needs. 

What G2 users dislike about SmartDraw:

“I wish learning wasn't so difficult. Most of the challenges come from navigating where to go and what to click—or not click. I kept losing my work because I was unclear about what to avoid.”

- SmartDraw Review, Don L.

6. OrgChart

OrgChart simplifies building and maintaining organizational charts (it's in the name). Whether you're managing a small team or a sprawling enterprise, OrgChart's automation and integrations significantly reduce the manual work involved in keeping org charts up to date.

One of the most powerful aspects of OrgChart is its ability to integrate directly with systems like ADP and UKG. This means I can sync my organizational data with real-time updates—no more monthly manual overhauls. For instance, as changes are made in the HR system, OrgChart automatically reflects them, ensuring your team always has access to accurate and current information. This feature saves time and minimizes errors caused by outdated charts.

I was also impressed by the customization capabilities. From color-coded charts to flexible layouts, OrgChart gave me control over visualizing my organization. It was easy to create tailored views for different audiences, whether it was a high-level snapshot for leadership or detailed team structures for internal planning. Plus, the ability to export and share these charts in various formats like PDFs or presentations made collaboration seamless.

With OrgChart, it's also easy to upload reports, configure settings, and let the tool do the heavy lifting. I loved that I could set up recurring updates and still make manual tweaks when needed. For HR teams managing large-scale changes, features like automated updates and data-driven insights make this tool a productivity powerhouse.

While the tool offers decent customization, I found the visual design options for charts a little restrictive. If you’re looking for something really creative or need to match a specific style, you might hit a wall with the default box shapes and line connections. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth knowing upfront.

Setting up advanced configurations wasn’t as intuitive as I hoped. I had to spend extra time figuring out some steps, especially during the initial setup. That said, once I got the hang of it, things became much smoother, but it’s definitely a bit of a learning curve.

The tool performs well overall, but reaching customer service isn't the most convenient, which can be a minor drawback. Additionally, many G2 reviewers mentioned that their experience with customer support wasn't ideal.

What I dislike about OrgChart:

• Like some of the other tools in this list, I found Orgchart’s customization options to be limited. If you’re looking to create highly stylized charts, the default design options can feel a bit restrictive.
• When it came to setting up advanced configurations like user permissions or public access, I found the process pretty complicated. It wasn’t as user-friendly as I’d hoped, especially for someone just getting started with the tool.

What G2 users dislike about OrgChart:

“Access to OrgChart could be easier for non-administrative employees through ADP.”

- OrgChart Review, Dottie W.

7. Deel

Although Deel isn’t a tool specifically designed for creating diagrams or org charts, it’s an HR software that offers this functionality as part of its broader suite of features. 

One of Deel’s standout features is its ability to give you a clear and structured view of your team. I could see reporting lines, team structures, and department connections, which was invaluable for understanding how everyone fits together—especially in a global workforce. This feature helps avoid miscommunication about roles and keeps leadership aligned on how teams are organized without additional tools or manual updates.

Deel’s org chart also seamlessly connects with human resources information system (HRIS) and IT systems, ensuring the team’s structure is always accurate and up-to-date. Anytime there’s a change—like a new hire, a promotion, or a departure—the updates flow directly into the org chart without any manual intervention. I like how his integration keeps the organizational information consistent across platforms, saving time and reducing errors.

Its integration capabilities also provide real-time insights into key team changes. Whether I want to add a new hire, share an anniversary celebration, or a department restructuring, the platform automatically highlights these updates. It's a great way to stay informed about the latest shifts in the team and maintain transparency across the organization.

When I used Deel, I found that while it provides a functional view of my team’s hierarchy, the customization options for the org chart felt pretty limited. I couldn’t add much flair or tailor the design, which was disappointing since I value visuals. 

The visualization tools also seemed quite static. If, like me, you’re looking for dynamic org charts where you can drag and drop roles or make quick adjustments, you might find it lacking. I often wished for more flexibility, especially when planning organizational changes.

What I dislike about Deel:

• One thing that bugs me is how limited the customization options are for the org chart. I’d love to tweak the visuals or add personal touches, but Deel doesn’t offer much flexibility there.
• The org chart feels too static for my liking. I can’t experiment with team structures, which can be frustrating when planning changes. It could use more interactive features.

What G2 users dislike about Deel:

“While Deel is generally excellent, the initial account setup process could be more streamlined. More customization options for invoice templates would also be helpful.”

- Deel Review, Allysson D.

8. The Org

The Org is a transparent work platform that combines interactive public org charts with public collaboration for high-growth companies. It allows users to explore the world's largest network of public organizational charts, providing insights into company structures and the talent behind leading innovators. 

One thing I love about this tool is how simple it makes creating an org chart. Importing data is seamless—you’re not stuck spending hours manually entering roles and teams. The interface walks you through every step, so it’s not just functional; it’s easy. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or a larger company trying to manage sprawling departments, this tool adjusts effortlessly to whatever you need.

What really makes The Org stand out for me, though, is its focus on transparency and public collaboration. You can share your org charts publicly, putting your company’s structure and values on display. This feature is invaluable if you’re scaling quickly and want to attract top talent or build a reputation for openness. To me, it encourages both internal and external collaboration.

Another thing I find fascinating is the massive network of public org charts available on this platform. You can explore how top innovators structure their teams, which is not only inspiring but also a great way to benchmark your own organization. It’s like having a crash course in modern organizational design right at your fingertips.

That said, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. Similar to Deel, while the platform is easy to use, customization feels a little limited. If you like having full control over how your org charts look, you might find the options a bit restrictive.

Also, while the platform is easy to use once you get the hang of it, I found it a little less intuitive when I first started navigating the features—it could benefit from a smoother onboarding experience.

And, to be fair, parts of the platform still feel like they’re in development. While they’re promising, they’re not quite there yet.

What I dislike about The Org:

• The social and networking tools feel like they’re still in beta. While they’re promising, they don’t yet have the impact or functionality I was hoping for.
• The lack of flexibility in tweaking org chart layouts can be annoying. Sometimes, I just want to make adjustments to fit my vision, and the options don’t quite help me achieve that.

What G2 users dislike about The Org:

“It wasn’t the most intuitive tool to start using. After reading more of the articles on the website, the “why” and “how” became more clear but would love that to be more upfront as you sign up.”

- The Org Review, Sarah G.

Frequently asked questions about best org chart software

1. What is the best program to create an organizational chart?

The best program depends on your needs. However, tools like Lucidchart and Microsoft Visio are excellent for creating detailed, collaborative org charts. For simplicity and affordability, SmartDraw is a great option. 

2. What is the best free org chart software?

Lucidchart’s and Creately’s free versions are good free options. They provide drag-and-drop functionality, template support, and basic collaboration features. 

3. What is the best org chart software for large companies?

Large companies can benefit from feature-rich tools like Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, and OrgChart. These solutions handle complex corporate hierarchies, support data import in different formats, and offer real-time collaboration.

4. Lucidchart vs. Visio: Which is better?

Both Lucidchart and Visio excel at creating professional org charts, but the choice that works best for you depends on your needs. Lucidchart is a cloud-based tool perfect for remote teams because of its easy collaboration, real-time editing, and integration with tools like Google Workspace and Slack. Visio, ideal for Microsoft ecosystem users, offers powerful diagramming and customization features.

5. Is Lucidchart free?

Yes, Lucidchart offers a free version with limited features. It allows you to create up to three editable documents and access basic templates. You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan for more advanced tools and collaboration.

6. Is SmartDraw safe?

Yes, SmartDraw is safe to use. It also complies with industry-leading standards and holds the following compliance certifications as of present:

• SOC2 Type II
• PCI Approved
• Cloud Application Security Assessment (CASA) Tier 2
• CSA Star Level 1
• Privacy Shield
• CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)

Organization at its finest

So, there you have it—some of the best org chart software options I’ve come across to help bring clarity and structure to the organization. Whether you’re building your first chart, trying to keep up with rapid team growth, or just figuring out how everything connects in a complex hierarchy, there’s a tool here that can make the process a whole lot easier (and way less frustrating).

For me, org charts are more than just diagrams—they’re like a roadmap for the team. They show everyone where they fit, how decisions flow, and how the whole organization works together. And the right software doesn’t just make it easier to create them; it keeps them up-to-date, interactive, and genuinely useful.

Now it’s your turn—what’s the perfect fit for your team?

Want to understand the impact of your HR operations? Check out HR analytics software.