How to Make Hierarchy Chart: Best Tools & Templates

Corporate workplaces have evolved but hierarchy remains embedded in the fabric of every company's structure.

Ignore it and things spiral—roles get blurred, communication breaks down and productivity takes a hit. It’s no surprise that 86% of employees cite poor communication as the root of workplace failures.

Whether your company follows a strict chain of command or a flexible structure, a clear hierarchy chart keeps teams organized and eliminates bottlenecks before they slow things down.

Besides mapping out reporting lines in a company, you can use it to outline roles in a project team or visualize family trees.

In this article, I'll walk you through how to create a hierarchy chart, plus the best tools and templates to make the process easy.

Let's dive in.

Table of Contents

• What is a Hierarchy Chart?
• How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Visme
• How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Word
• How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Canva
• How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Lucidchart
• 8 Best Hierarchy Chart Templates
• Hierarchy Chart FAQs

*Disclaimer: The comparisons and competitor ratings presented in this article are based on features available as of February 21, 2025. We conduct thorough research and draw on both first-hand experience and reputable sources to provide reliable insights. However, as tools and technologies evolve, we recommend readers verify details and consider additional research to ensure the information meets their specific needs.

What is a Hierarchy Chart?

A hierarchy chart is a visual representation of a company's structure or system in a top-down format. It illustrates the flow of authority, responsibility or information from higher levels to lower levels.

At the top of a hierarchy chart, you’ll typically find the highest ranking positions (e.g., the CEO or manager) with the lower ranking roles (e.g., entry-level and lower-level employees) branching out below them.

Like other types of org charts, hierarchy charts provide a clear snapshot of various roles within an organization, how they relate to each other and where responsibilities lie.

But other structures may work differently. For instance, a flat structure has less emphasis on hierarchy. The matrix or network-style org chart focuses more on relationships rather than authority.

With the hierarchical structure, the chain of command is clearly defined. Each role has a job description and specific supervisors they report to.

You can easily create a hierarchy chart by following these steps:

1. Define the Structure: Identify the top-level entity and its sub-levels.
2. Use Shapes for Representation: Use rectangles or circles for each entity.
3. Connect with Lines: Draw lines to show relationships between levels.
4. Label Each Level: Clearly name each entity.
5. Use a Software Tool: Tools like Visme, Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, or PowerPoint can help.

With the right tools and clear thought, you can easily create these types of flowcharts. As for which software you should be using, you'll be able to decide in the guide below.

How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Visme

Creating an organizational chart shouldn’t feel like a chore—or worse, leave you with a dull, uninspiring design.

With our hierarchy chart maker, companies and HR teams can transform corporate hierarchy into an engaging, interactive experience.

The best part is that no professional design skills are needed.

Our intuitive interface and drag-and-drop editor make customizing your chart a piece of cake.

Let’s walk you through the process.

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Hierarchy Chart Template

First things first—log into your Visme account (or create one if you haven’t already). Next, click "Create New > Project" and then select Infographics.

Search for "Hierarchy Chart" or "Organizational Chart" and pick a professionally designed template that fits your process or company needs.

Click “Preview” to get a close-up view of the template and then "Edit" to start customizing.

You can also create a custom-sized canvas if you want full design control and prefer to build from scratch. You can even add extra pages to capture other teams or departments.

Step 2: Customize Your Hierarchy Chart

Now comes the fun part—personalizing your chart to match your team’s structure.

Replace the placeholder names, job titles and images with your own.

Visme give you a range of options when it comes to shapes, connectors and fonts.

To modify shapes and connectors, use pre-made content blocks. Click Basics > Diagrams to quickly insert hierarchy blocks.

• Drag and drop additional shapes (rectangles, circles or custom elements) to reflect reporting relationships.
• Choose between straight, curved or dashed lines to show different reporting structures.
• Customize line thickness, style and color to make relationships clearer.

For a unique touch, apply your company branding—colors, fonts, logos and design elements using our Brand Kit.

The next step is to enhance your chart with icons and images. Visme comes loaded with millions of design assets, including icons, shapes, widgets and characters (or you can easily upload yours) to make your chart visually captivating.

Upload profile photos for each team member or choose from our stock images and icons to create a polished look. Drag and drop icons from Graphics > Icons to visually represent roles or departments.

Better yet, create captivating 3D characters that represent team members or generate unique images using our AI image generator.

P.S. You can easily resize and reposition every element for a sleek, professional design.

Step 3: Make Your Hierarchy Chart Interactive

Adding interactive elements can elevate from a mere static diagram to a captivating, dynamic experience that engages and informs.

Here’s how to use Visme's interactive content tool. Click on any element (name, shape or icon) and choose from these interactive options:

• Animations – Add entry/exit effects to make your chart dynamic and visually appealing.

• Hotspot: Select popups (using either On Click or On Hover) to display job descriptions, contact info or team responsibilities when a user hovers over or clicks on an element.
• Upload multimedia: (audio or video) or record directly on the Visme platform.
• Add Links: Link names or departments to a design block, Visme project, web pages, email addresses or company resources.

Step 4: Collaborate with Your Team

Your company structure isn’t static—it evolves as your business grows. And that means your chart should evolve, too!

With this real-time collaboration tool, your entire team can edit, annotate, comment, leave feedback or update the hierarchy in real time or asynchronously.

All you need to do is create a shared workspace and invite team members. People in your workspace can tag each other, reply to comments and resolve updates instantly.

Every change is auto-saved and instantly reflected for all users. You’ll also be able to track, review, rename and restore the previous design version of your project.

Step 5: Download and Share Your Hierarchy Chart

Once your structure chart is ready, Visme has multiple options for sharing your project.

Download your chart as:

• Image (JPG, PNG) – Great for emails, presentations and reports.
• PDF – Ideal for print and professional documentation.
• HTML5 – Keeps interactive features active.
• PowerPoint (PPTX) – Seamless integration into presentations.
• SCORM/xAPI – LMS-ready for training purposes.

You also have the option of sharing your chart online using the methods below:

• Generate a secure link for easy access.
• Embed your chart on a website, intranet or team portal.
• Share on Slack, LinkedIn, Twitter and more.
• Enable password protection for restricted access.

How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Word

Microsoft Word may be best known for word processing, but it’s also a handy tool for creating basic hierarchy charts.

Whether you’re mapping out a company structure, a project team or any other ranked system, Word’s SmartArt feature makes it simple to visualize relationships and reporting lines.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Insert SmartArt

Open your Word document and head to the Insert tab. Click on SmartArt to open the SmartArt Graphic menu.

On the left panel, select Hierarchy, then choose a layout that best fits your needs.

Some options include the Organizational Chart and Labeled Hierarchy, both of which work well for structured hierarchies.

Step 2: Enter Your Text

Once you’ve selected a hierarchy template, a text pane will appear where you can input names or roles for each level. Each shape in the chart represents a position in your hierarchy.

Before diving in, it’s a good idea to organize your information so you don’t miss anyone.

Keep in mind that Word has text limitations per shape, so if you need a more detailed chart, you should explore specialized diagramming tools like Visme or Lucidchart.

Step 3: Adjust the Hierarchy

Hierarchy charts are all about structure, so you may need to move roles up or down. In Word, adjusting levels is simple:

• To promote a position, click on the name in the text pane and press Tab.
• To demote a position, use Shift + Tab.

Alternatively, you can make changes through the SmartArt Design tab.

Let’s say Sarah is the Chief Operating Officer and three new VPs—David, Mark and Rachel—join her department. Select each of their names in the text pane and press Tab to move them under Sarah in the hierarchy.

If a new VP is at the same level, simply enter his name in the same section without adjusting the levels.

Step 4: Add or Remove Positions

Most SmartArt hierarchy templates start with five shapes, but real-world hierarchies often need more. To add positions:

• Click on an existing shape in your chart.
• Go to the SmartArt Tools Design tab and select Add Shape.
• Choose whether to place the new shape above, below or alongside the selected position.

To remove a position, simply click the shape and press Delete.

Step 5. Customize Your Hierarchy Chart

A well-designed chart makes information easier to digest. Once your hierarchy is in place, customize it to improve readability:

• Change colors: Use the SmartArt Design tab to apply color schemes that match your document’s theme.
• Adjust fonts and sizes: Head to the Format tab to make names more legible.
• Modify layouts: Experiment with different hierarchy styles for the clearest presentation.

Here’s a comparison table highlighting the differences between Microsoft Word and Visme for creating hierarchy or org charts:

How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Canva

Creating a hierarchy chart in Canva is simple and doesn’t require design expertise. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a professional and visually appealing chart for your team or organization.

Step 1: Log in to Canva & Start a New Project

Go to Canva and log in to your account (or sign up if you’re new). Click on "Create a design", then type "Hierarchy Chart" or "Organizational Chart" in the search bar.

Choose from the available templates or start with a blank canvas if you prefer a custom design.

Step 2: Choose a Template or Create from Scratch

If you want to build your chart from scratch, choose a custom canvas size.

Or browse through Canva’s pre-designed hierarchy chart templates on the left pane to select one that matches your needs.

Step 3: Customize Your Hierarchy Chart

Now, it’s time to personalize your chart by adding details:

Click "Text" in the sidebar and choose a text style to add employee names and job titles.

Then go to Elements > Shapes and select rectangles, circles or other shapes to represent different levels in the hierarchy. Resize and arrange them logically to reflect reporting relationships.

To connect with lines and arrows, click the “Elements” tab. Drag and position them to show relationships between team members (e.g., solid lines for direct reports and dashed lines for indirect reports).

Click on elements to change colors, fonts and sizes to match your company's branding. Add profile pictures for each person by uploading their photos and free icons to make it visually engaging.

Step 4: Collaborate with Your Team

If you’re working with a team, Canva allows real-time collaboration. Click "Share" to invite teammates to edit, comment or view the chart. Enable Canva’s Version History (if using Canva Pro) to track changes made by other collaborators.

Step 5: Download & Share Your Hierarchy Chart

Once your chart is finalized, export it in different formats, including JPG or PNG, PDF, SVG or generate a public or private link for your team.

Here’s a detailed comparison of Visme vs. Canva for creating hierarchy or org charts:

How to Make a Hierarchy Chart in Lucidchart

Unlike Microsoft Word, which has limited customization options, Lucidchart offers a dynamic and collaborative platform.

Follow these steps to build your hierarchy chart in Lucidchart:

Step 1. Open Lucidchart and Create a New Document

Start by logging into your Lucidchart account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for free. Once inside the dashboard, click + New and select Lucidchart (Intelligent Diagramming).

You can either start from a Blank Document or choose a pre-made chart template by just clicking on the org chart in the “Jump into something new” section.

Step 2. Select the Hierarchy Chart Template

For a quick start, go to Templates and search for "Hierarchy Chart" or "Organizational Chart".

Select a template that best fits your structure, then click “Use Template” to open it in the editor. If you prefer a custom design, simply drag and drop shapes from the Shapes panel on the left.

Before you proceed, you’ll have to enable the “Org Charts” shape library. To do this, click on the “+ Shapes” button on the left side of your workspace and ensure “Org Charts” is checked.

Step 4. Add Roles and Structure Your Chart

Each box in the hierarchy represents a position or individual.

To build your structure:

• Click on any shape to edit the employee information (name, title or role)
• Use the drag-and-drop feature to arrange positions.
• Connect roles using lines or arrows to show reporting relationships.

To add more shapes to an org chart in Lucidchart, you can either click the gray “+” buttons next to the existing shapes or navigate to the context panel and select Data > List View to add employees in list format.

For example, if you’re mapping out a marketing department, you might have:

• Sophia (Chief Marketing Officer) at the top
• Jake (Social Media Manager) and Rachel (SEO Lead) reporting to Sophia
• A team of specialists reporting to Jake and Rachel

Step 5. Customize the Design

Lucidchart allows for extensive customization to enhance readability:

• Click the Theme settings to apply consistent colors and fonts. You can also color-code different levels or teams for better visualization.
• Adjust the thickness, arrows or style of the connecting lines to clarify relationships.
• Resize text, bold key titles and use different font styles for emphasis.

Step 6. Add or Remove Positions

To expand your hierarchy:

• Click on an existing shape, then select Add Shape Below to create a new subordinate role.
• Use Add Shape Beside to add colleagues at the same level.
• To remove a position, simply select the shape and hit Delete.

Step 7: Collaborate and Share

One of Lucidchart’s biggest strengths is real-time collaboration. You can invite team members to view or edit the chart via email or use comments to discuss changes within the chart.

Next, Export the final hierarchy as a PDF, PNG or embed it in presentations and reports. To do this, click File> Export> Select your preferred file format.

Here’s a table that compares Visme vs. Lucidchart for building hierarchy or org charts:

8 Best Hierarchy Chart Templates

Skip the guesswork and get straight to a polished, professional hierarchy chart with our ready-made templates. 

Whether you need a classic org chart, a modern flowchart or a team structure diagram, these templates make it easy to visualize roles and relationships in minutes. 

Just pick one of these designs or head over to our massive template library, customize them to fit your needs and share it effortlessly using the steps I shared with you earlier.

1. Hierarchy Flowchart Infographic

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Make your company’s hierarchy crystal clear with this sleek, easy-to-follow infographic template!

One of the best things about a hierarchy chart is that it brings clarity. It helps your team and outsiders instantly understand who’s who, who reports to whom and how everything fits together. Whether you’re onboarding new employees, impressing investors or giving clients a behind-the-scenes look at your team, this hierarchy flowchart makes it super simple.

This template’s dark background with colorful icons and text overlays creates a dynamic, visually appealing structure that stands out. The bold red name tags highlight managers, directors and team leads, making it easy for anyone to spot key roles. Plus, you can add employee photos and contact details to give it that personal touch.

You can use it in presentations, share it on social media or embed it on your website. It's the perfect way to give clients, partners and employees a quick, clear snapshot of your organizational structure. The best part? You can tweak it to fit your company’s unique structure in just a few clicks!

2. Creative Agency Hierarchy Chart

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

A hierarchy chart is a great way to help new hires get familiar with the team faster. They can quickly see who they report to, who their colleagues are and how different departments connect. It makes onboarding smoother and helps everyone feel more at home in the company.

This aesthetic template brings that idea to life, letting you showcase your creative team’s structure in style. The CEO stands out at the top with a unique colored icon, while top-level management is highlighted in another distinct color. Lower-level employees are neatly placed in transparent rectangular boxes, clearly displaying their names and roles without clutter.

The bold purple background, paired with bright, colorful shapes and fonts, gives the design a lively, modern look that’s easy on the eyes. Plus, it’s fully customizable—swap in your logo, update names and roles and tweak the text to fit your team perfectly.

Do you have a large team? No problem! You can adjust the size, add more tiers or levels or even create extra pages to include everyone. No matter how big or small your company is, this chart can be adapted to your needs.

3. Photographic Hierarchy Chart Infographic Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

A well-structured hierarchy chart helps leaders quickly identify key decision-makers at different levels. It clarifies the delegation of authority, ensuring that approvals and responsibilities flow smoothly without bottlenecks slowing down workflows. When everyone knows who’s in charge of what, decisions get made faster and more efficiently.

With this template, you get a clean, top-down structure that makes team roles and reporting relationships easy to grasp at a glance. Each position is neatly placed in boxes or rectangles, connected by lines that clearly define the chain of command. It’s straightforward, intuitive and built for clarity.

The plain gray background keeps things professional, while the vibrant colors make important details stand out. Want to add a personal touch? Include pictures of each team member to make the chart even more engaging and memorable.

And if you’re looking to level up, you can enhance this chart with interactive pop-ups or hover effects. Imagine clicking on a name to reveal job descriptions, work experience or even fun facts about your team—it’s an effortless way to add depth while keeping things visually dynamic.

4. Organizational Team Chart - Infographic Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

A hierarchy chart isn’t just about showing who reports to whom—it’s a smart way to plan for the future. It helps you spot gaps in leadership, see where your team needs to grow and make sure you’re always a step ahead as your company evolves.

This template makes that process effortless. Each role stands out with a different colored shape, making it easy to see who’s who at a glance. Names and titles are front and center, with built-in social media icons so team members can connect with each other instantly.

Need to add more details? No problem. You can include extra info without cluttering the design, keeping everything sleek and easy to read. Want to make it even more engaging? Swap out the background, update colors or add hover effects to reveal more details when needed.

Whether you’re mapping out a growing team or refining an established structure, this template gives you the flexibility to create an org chart that works now and scales with you in the future.

5. Cafe Organizational Chart Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

If you run a coffee shop, restaurant or eatery, this café-themed organizational chart is a perfect fit. The rich brown color scheme, paired with cream text and connector lines, creates a warm and inviting visual that reflects your brand’s personality.

Just like the owner's headshot at the top, you can showcase your team members with their photos, making the chart more personal and engaging. Plus, with access to thousands of icons, characters, illustrations, gestures and other design elements, you can fine-tune every detail to match your brand’s aesthetic.

A hierarchy chart isn’t just for corporate offices—it’s a versatile tool that adapts to any industry, from business and education to government and healthcare. Whether you need an org chart, a decision-making hierarchy, a family tree or a product structure, this template can be adapted for that purpose.

Want to speed up the design process? Use our workflow management tool to assign sections to your team, leave instructions, set deadlines and track progress—all in one place. It’s an easy way to create a polished, professional org chart while keeping everyone on the same page.

6. Construction Organizational Chart Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Give your construction team a clear roadmap of roles and responsibilities with this well-structured organizational chart template. It not only highlights who reports to whom but also showcases task dependencies, making it easier to manage large-scale projects with multiple moving parts. By defining responsibilities at every level, this chart ensures accountability and keeps performance tracking simple.

This template takes a fresh approach to hierarchy visualization. Instead of the traditional top-down layout, it flows from left to right, making it more intuitive for teams to follow. Modern icons, stylish text and bold color combinations make everything easy to read at a glance. Plus, you can customize text boxes and shapes to define levels—whether it’s the board and executive team or managers and entry-level staff.

Once your org chart is live, take it a step further with our built-in analytics tool. See how team members interact with it, track engagement and ensure everyone is on the same page.

7. Editorial Department Organizational Chart - Infographic Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

Make the most of your team’s strengths with a clear, easy-to-follow departmental org chart. When everyone knows who does what and where they fit in, work flows more smoothly and nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, managers can spot gaps, balance workloads and keep everything running efficiently.

This chart keeps it simple but effective. Each level of management stands out with different shapes and colors, so it’s easy to see the hierarchy at a glance.

The publisher sits at the top in a round rectangle, middle management pops with a bold neon green shape and lower-level roles are neatly organized in square and rectangular boxes.

You can make it your own in just a few clicks with Visme. Change colors, swap shapes, add icons and even throw in illustrations to bring more clarity.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or just making a few tweaks, this template gives you everything you need to create an org chart that works for your team. Embed it in training documents or HR manuals to keep your company’s structure transparent and accessible.

8. Small Business Organizational Chart Template

Customize this template and make it your own! Edit and Download

This organizational chart template offers a sleek, well-organized layout that makes your company’s structure easy to understand. It features cool colors, high-quality icons and space for images—creating a professional yet engaging look.

Each role includes a name, title and image, making the chart more engaging and personal. No employee photos? No worries! Swap them out for eye-catching 3D characters using our character creator. Just pick a character, tweak the details—like hairstyle, clothing and skin tone—and choose a pose or animation. In no time, your hierarchy chart will be polished, professional and ready to go!

This template isn’t just for internal use; it’s perfect for presentations, company websites, investor decks and onboarding materials. Use it to introduce new hires to your team, showcase leadership to clients and stakeholders or even map out project teams for better collaboration.

Hierarchy Chart FAQs

Easily Create Charts & More Using Visme

Whether you're leading a small or large team, your company will definitely benefit from having a solid organizational structure in place.

Even as workplaces evolve, hierarchical charts are critical to driving efficient operations. It eliminates chaos and keeps your organization working like a well-oiled machine.

Instead of confusion over responsibilities, approvals or decision-making, everyone on your team knows exactly where they fit, who they report to and how decisions flow.

Creating one doesn’t have to be complicated. With Visme, you can build professional, visually compelling hierarchy charts in minutes. Choose from customizable templates, use drag-and-drop tools and collaborate with your team effortlessly.

Get started with Visme to create charts that keep your team aligned and your business running smoothly.

Written by Idorenyin Uko

Idorenyin Uko is a skilled content writer at Visme, where she leverages her expertise to create compelling and strategic content that drives brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation. With a deep understanding of content marketing, she specializes in producing high-quality materials across a diverse range of topics, including marketing strategies, design best practices, case studies, ebooks, and whitepapers.

Her work is rooted in thorough research and a deep understanding of SEO principles, ensuring that the content she creates is both engaging and optimized for search engines. She is committed to helping brands not only meet but exceed their marketing goals by delivering impactful, results-driven content solutions.