How to Use SmartArt in Excel?

Using SmartArt in Excel allows you to visually represent information and ideas easily, enhancing your data presentation.

SmartArt graphics are visual representations of your information and ideas. You can create them by choosing from many different layouts to effectively communicate your message.

Steps to Insert a SmartArt Graphic in Excel

Inserting a SmartArt graphic into your Excel sheet is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Insert tab on the Excel ribbon.
2. In the Illustrations group, click on SmartArt.
3. The Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box will appear.
4. Browse through the different categories and layouts available on the left side of the dialog box.
5. Click the type (e.g., List, Process, Cycle, Hierarchy) and the specific layout within that type that you want to use. A preview and description of the selected layout will appear on the right.
6. Click OK to insert the SmartArt graphic into your worksheet.

Reference Information Included: On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click SmartArt. In the Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box, click the type and layout that you want.

Adding Text to Your SmartArt

Once the SmartArt graphic is inserted, you'll typically see placeholders for text.

• Method 1: Text Pane: Click on the SmartArt graphic to select it. A Text Pane usually appears to the left of the graphic. Click inside the text pane and type or paste your text for each shape.
• Method 2: Directly in Shapes: Click directly on a shape within the SmartArt graphic and begin typing your text.

You can add, edit, or remove text in the Text Pane or directly in the shapes. The graphic will automatically adjust to fit your content.

Exploring SmartArt Types and Uses

Excel offers a variety of SmartArt graphic types, each suited for different purposes:

• List: Ideal for showing non-sequential information.
• Process: Shows steps in a process or timeline.
• Cycle: Represents a continuous process.
• Hierarchy: Illustrates a tree or organizational structure.
• Relationship: Shows connections between concepts.
• Matrix: Shows how parts relate to a whole in quadrants.
• Pyramid: Shows proportional relationships with the largest component at the bottom or top.
• Picture: Allows you to incorporate images into the graphic.

Practical Examples

• Use a Process graphic to outline the steps of a budget approval flow.
• Use a Hierarchy graphic to display the management structure of a department.
• Use a List graphic to present key project deliverables.
• Use a Cycle graphic to show the quarterly financial reporting stages.

Customizing Your SmartArt

After inserting and adding text, you can customize your SmartArt graphic using the SmartArt Design and Format tabs that appear on the ribbon when the graphic is selected.

• Change colors and styles.
• Add or remove shapes.
• Change the layout.
• Resize or reposition the graphic.

Using SmartArt effectively can make complex data or concepts more understandable and visually appealing in your Excel spreadsheets.