At my first "real" job, the company I worked for didn't use org chart software, instead opting for hard copies. I looked at it once, made a few mental notes, and shoved it in a desk drawer, never to be seen again. A few months later, I shot off an email to a member of the IT department, asking for help troubleshooting a rogue printer. His executive assistant politely informed me that they usually leave such matters to the IT help desk, not the CIO.

In this post, I'll guide you through the world of org chart software, introducing you to some of the best options available. Whether you're at a tiny startup or a corporate giant, prepare to discover how the right software can save you from making mistakes that keep you up at night 15 years later.

The best organizational chart software

• Lucidchart for a well-rounded option

• draw.io for small businesses on a budget

• Ingentis org.manager for enterprise businesses

• Organimi for startups

• Factorial for streamlining your workflow

• Creately for remote teams

• Pingboard for growing companies

What is org chart software?

Org chart software is an interactive visualization tool that illustrates the structure of an organization, highlighting the hierarchy and relationships between departments and individuals.

For example, a rapidly expanding tech startup might struggle with keeping track of new roles and evolving team structures. Organizational chart software can help employees understand who they report to, identify key stakeholders in other departments, and get a clearer sense of how various teams and departments interconnect. This kind of transparency cuts through confusion like a lightsaber through, well, anything, saving time in communication and fostering a more cohesive workplace culture.

It's worth noting that not all org chart software is just about pretty diagrams of who sits where. In many cases, org chart functionality is just one feature within a broader suite of tools. Here are some examples:

• Flowchart software offers org chart creation as a part of its broader set of diagramming tools and is often used for business needs beyond HR, like process optimization and project planning.

• Human resources information systems (HRIS) and employee management software integrate org chart features with other functions like payroll, recruitment, performance management, and employee data management.

• Project management tools often include org chart capabilities to visualize team structures and assist in task assignment and progress tracking.

• Business intelligence platforms incorporate org chart functionalities for representing organizational data, which can be useful for strategic planning and organizational analysis.

• Team communication apps sometimes provide org chart functionality for a better understanding of team dynamics and to enhance internal communication and collaboration within the company.

• Org chart templates in any app, including a spreadsheet or presentation tool.

When choosing org chart software, it's important to consider your broader needs. If you require a tool that goes beyond just creating org charts, keep those needs in mind when making your pick. Also be sure to check your existing software to see if any apps you already use have the org chart features you're looking for.

What makes the best org chart software system?

As I was researching org chart software, I realized that figuring out what makes one tool better than another isn't as straightforward as it sounds. So, I came up with a list of key things that really set the best ones apart:

• Customization: Top-tier org chart software offers a range of structure options, including hierarchical, matrix, and flat organizational layouts. They provide advanced customization features like the ability to add custom data fields, alter color schemes, and adjust layouts. Because if there's one thing managers love, it's exerting control over meaningless details.

• Collaboration: Effective collaboration features are a hallmark of quality org chart software. Key features include support for real-time updates and synchronization, along with capabilities to track historical changes and revert to earlier versions when necessary. And, of course, every team member should be able to access and navigate the org chart easily.

• Data integration and portability: Ideal org chart software seamlessly integrates with your existing platforms, such as HRIS, CRM, or ERP software, to simplify data upkeep. They also offer capabilities to import and export data in various formats, facilitating ease of data transfer and compatibility.

• Scalability: The best org chart software is designed to support your organization's growth and expansion without compromising on functionality or performance. These systems cater to both small and large enterprises, with pricing models offering flexibility and adaptability to different business sizes and growth trajectories.

• Overall user experience: The top org chart tools have a simple, intuitive interface that any employee can pick up quickly without a technical degree or instruction manual. The navigation should guide you through building and updating charts with ease. 

Due to the overwhelming variety of org chart software and the sheer number of different kinds available (see: giant list above of app categories that include org chart software), there was no way for me to test every single option. So, to bring you the most valuable insights, I've leaned on actual users of org chart software to determine the best of the best. That includes reading reviews, watching video demonstrations, and talking to real users who've been in the trenches with these tools. 

The best org chart software at a glance

Best all-around org chart software

Lucidchart (Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)

Lucidchart pros:

• Intuitive user interface

• Comprehensive template library

• Excellent collaboration features

Lucidchart cons:

• Limited scalability for large organizations

• Occasional delays in real-time collaboration

Known for its slick design and generous collaboration options, Lucidchart is a diagramming software that stands out as a top organizational chart solution. A major draw is how user-friendly it is, especially to those easily flustered by anything more complex than a light switch. Lucidchart's extensive template library also provides a valuable head start and ensures you never get stuck with a stale-looking org chart.

Collaboration is where Lucidchart shines, allowing teammates to work on the same chart in real time. Other features like revision history and chat integration make it a hit in fast-paced workplaces where collaboration is essential.

Updating data is easy, and changes can be made and published quickly, both on the data source side and inside Lucidchart. Integration with popular business tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and BambooHR is another big advantage of Lucidchart, as highlighted by Lisa Ockinga, chief product officer (CPO) at Ling. She told me that Lucidchart's seamless integration is particularly useful in her role as a project manager in the tech industry. She called Lucidchart "an ideal choice for businesses seeking a user-friendly, versatile org chart tool that aligns well with various business systems."

In my research of org chart software, Lucidchart popped up quite a bit—and there's a pretty good reason for that. However, businesses with budget constraints might want to hold their horses. While Lucidchart offers a free plan, it can be costly for organizations with many users. Pricing will be a factor to consider, but if you're using Lucidchart for other diagramming reasons, it will be well worth it.

Lucidchart connects with Zapier, meaning you can connect it to thousands of other apps to automate workflows, like automatically adding new employees to Lucidchart data sets. Here are a couple of examples to get you started.

Lucidchart pricing: Free plan available; $7.95/month for Individual plan; $9/user/month for Team plan; custom pricing for Enterprise plan

Best org chart software for small businesses on a budget

draw.io (Web, Windows, macOS, Linux)

draw.io pros:

• User-friendly and easy to learn

• Integrates with cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive

• Free and open source

draw.io cons:

• Lacks advanced features

• Occasional latency issues and glitching when using for extended periods

If you're pinching pennies but still want to whip up org charts like a pro, let me introduce you to draw.io (also known as Diagrams.net). As an open source flowchart tool, it provides the fundamental capabilities needed for creating org charts, all for the low, low price of absolutely free.

Don't let the price tag fool you—draw.io doesn't skimp on functionality. It comes equipped with an expansive list of templates for org charts, giving you a running start on your designs. This array of templates, combined with its intuitive layout and drag-and-drop functionality, makes it user-friendly and adaptable to various organizational needs.

Its real-time collaboration and sharing capability, one-click branding/color customization, and the option to create charts from text input or CSV files make it a robust choice for creating detailed and functional organizational charts.

draw.io might not win any beauty contests compared to those fancy paid tools, but who needs all that gloss when you've got a free, flexible, and feature-rich org chart tool? It's a valuable tool for small businesses or any David facing the Goliath of tight budgets, offering a blend of simplicity, functionality, and adaptability that's hard to beat.

draw.io pricing: Free

Best org chart software for enterprise businesses

Ingentis org.manager (Web, Windows, Linux)

Ingentis org.manager pros:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

• Very powerful and customizable 

• Can auto-create charts from imported data

Ingentis org.manager cons:

• Steeper learning curve than some other org chart software

• Some organizations may be priced out

If you've ever tried to figure out who's who in a big company, you'll understand that it's like trying to untangle a set of earbuds that's been at the bottom of your bag since before AirPods were a thing. That's where Ingentis org.manager comes in. It's explicitly designed for large businesses and allows you to start from scratch or import data from an HRIS to auto-generate an initial chart.

Once you have the basic skeleton, Ingentis org.manager gives you the flexibility to customize the chart to your organization's needs. You can add details like contact info, job descriptions, and photos (hopefully not the ones from last year's holiday party). Define clear reporting lines and specify the type of relationship between positions.

For big companies, keeping an org chart up to date is like nailing Jell-O to a tree. Ingentis org.manager simplifies this with automated alerts to notify admins about changes that could impact the chart. It also has built-in approval workflows, so multiple people can review and sign off on updates before they go live.

What's the downside to all this power and customization? Ingentis has a bit of a learning curve, so less tech-savvy managers may struggle. And with an enterprise-level price tag, it might make your finance department weep softly into their spreadsheets. But for huge companies wanting huge capabilities, Ingentis org.manager is the leader of the pack.

Ingentis org.manager pricing: Contact for pricing

Best org chart software for startups

Organimi (Web, Windows, macOS, Linux)

Organimi pros:

• Free plan includes most basic features

• Very customizable

• Extremely easy to update charts

Organimi cons:

• Not as scalable as other options

• Data integration not without hiccups

Organimi is a cloud-based org chart software lauded for its user-friendly interface and robust customization options. Its drag-and-drop functionality makes updating org charts straightforward, a feature that's especially valuable in dynamic startup environments where the only constant is change. Christoph Cemper, founder and CEO of AIPRM, noted how Organimi allows them to visualize their expanding teams intuitively and insightfully, calling it "a breath of fresh air." 

Customization in Organimi is noteworthy. The ability to color-code detailed or extensive charts lets you differentiate departments at a glance. This handy feature is especially clutch when you're dealing with an org chart that's got more layers than grandma's lasagna.

But Organimi isn't without its quirks. Christoph recalled how data integration from other systems can be problematic, sometimes necessitating manual updates. This can be a significant drawback, which he understandably said was "a little worrying for a fast-paced tech company." Scalability is also a concern with Organimi—as organizations grow, the platform may struggle to keep pace with the increasing complexity of larger entities. This limitation could be a dealbreaker if your company is on the fast track to becoming the next big thing.

Overall, Organimi's effectiveness lies in its alignment with a company's culture and processes rather than just its features. For CEOs and managers who value clarity in structure and communication, Organimi can be a vital tool. It's particularly suited for organizations that value agility and clarity, as long as they don't balloon to a size that leaves Organimi huffing and puffing in the dust. As with any org chart software, the key is finding a solution that not only offers great features but also grows and adapts alongside the evolving needs of the business.

Organimi connects with Zapier, which means you can automatically add roles, upload photos, create custom fields, and more, based on the actions you take in the other apps in your tech stack.

Organimi pricing: Free plan available; $10/month for Basic plan; $20/month for Premium plan

Best org chart software for streamlining your workflow

Factorial (Web, iOS, Android)

Factorial pros:

• Org chart auto-generation and real-time updating

• Easy-to-use and intuitive interface

• A variety of templates to choose from

Factorial cons:

• Not as feature rich as some other org chart software

• Limited customization options

Factorial is cloud-based software that helps automate HR processes. If you're looking to streamline your workflow and gain visibility into your company structure, Factorial can be a game-changer.

Its auto-create feature and real-time updates when new employees are onboarded significantly reduce the time and effort typically required to maintain org charts. This allows HR folks to finally take a breath and maybe even tackle those more strategic projects they've been dreaming about, like organizing the Great Office Bake-Off.

For companies experiencing rapid growth, Factorial's ability to effortlessly track new hires and provide clear overviews of organizational structures has proven invaluable. Brian Clark, CEO of Pioneer Moving, shared that Factorial "made onboarding new team members and managing performance reviews incredibly simple," which was crucial during their expansion phase.

Factorial may not be perfect—it doesn't have all the advanced features large organizations may need, and the customization leaves room for improvement—but it's an easy, automated, and efficient solution for small to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their org chart management.

Plus, Factorial integrates with Zapier, so you can do things like automatically create employees or teams whenever you take specific actions in the other apps you use in your HR tech stack. Here are some examples of how to get started.

Factorial pricing: $62/month for Business plan; $83.50/month for Enterprise plan

Best org chart software for remote teams

Creately (Web, iOS, Android)

Creately pros:

• A wide variety of collaboration tools

• Easy to export charts to different formats

• Free plan available with limited features

Creately cons:

• Can be overwhelming for new users

• May lag when loading a data-heavy chart

Creately is a visual collaboration tool that combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a database. It's a hit with remote teams thanks to its robust collaboration features and intuitive interface. 

The platform has an extensive library of graphic elements, including ones for organizational charts. Teams can select and combine these elements to create a chart that precisely fits their needs.

Creately focuses on enhancing productivity and collaboration, but without the awkward trust falls. Its features support real-time teamwork, allowing team members to work together on a single org chart with seamless integration and real-time updates. This ensures everyone is aligned and can contribute effectively, regardless of their physical location.

However, the platform's many features can be overwhelming for new users, and locating specific functionalities may initially be challenging. But once you get the hang of it, it's more like riding a bike—a bike that organizes your entire team structure and doesn't require a helmet.

Overall, Creately is like that one friend who's a little too enthusiastic about organizing group trips—slightly overwhelming but incredibly helpful. Despite its initial learning curve, the platform's collaborative features and centralized workspace make it highly beneficial for remote teams, who, let's be honest, are usually just trying to look professional in pajama pants.

Creately pricing: Free plan available; $5/user/month for Personal plan; $89/month for Business plan; custom pricing for Enterprise plan

Best org chart software for growing companies

Pingboard (Web, iOS, Android)

Pingboard pros:

• User-friendly interface

• Strong collaboration tools

• Easy scalability

Pingboard cons:

• Not as affordable as other org chart options

• Advanced customization may be difficult for newbies to configure

If you're a growing company, you need an org chart tool that can scale with you. Pingboard is designed specifically for organizations with lots of moving parts. An easy drag-and-drop interface lets you quickly update your chart to reflect promotions, new hires, reorganizations, and more.

Pingboard makes updating your org chart easier than getting lost on Wikipedia at 2 a.m. Simply upload your employee list or connect to your HRIS, and Pingboard automatically generates an initial org chart. You can then enhance it by adding photos, contact info, locations, and bios for each employee.

If your company goes through frequent restructuring, Pingboard has you covered. You can set up and save multiple versions of your org chart to account for potential changes. This flexibility means you'll never get caught flat-footed during a transition.

With built-in analytics, Pingboard also gives insight into your company's structure and growth over time. See how team sizes change, spot managers with too many (or too few) direct reports, and track diversity metrics across the organization. These insights help ensure your structure scales in a smart, sustainable way.

Pingboard brings your company directory, org chart, and people analytics together in one place. For high-growth organizations, this software is like having an extra set of hands to help keep your company's structure organized as you sprint toward world domination.

Pingboard pricing: $149/month for Basic plan; $299/month for Essential plan; $399/month for Pro plan; custom pricing available

Take your org chart software to the next level with automation

While creating an org chart may not be the most glamorous task, choosing the right software is necessary for efficiency, accountability, and actually understanding how your company operates. Take the time to get to know what’s out there, and make sure the one you choose has the qualities that matter most to your company.

And don't forget to consider the potential for integration with Zapier to maximize operational efficiency and interdepartmental collaboration.

Related reading:

• The best employee management software

• 3 productivity tools to check out, according to a software expert

• New hire checklist

• Workflow management: Definition and best practices