How to Design an Org Chart in Notion

Organizational charts are crucial tools for visualizing the structure and hierarchy of an organization. They provide a clear snapshot of reporting lines, departments, and roles within a Company. Notion, a powerful all-in-one Workspace, offers a range of features to help you create and design professional-looking org charts. In this article, we will explore step-by-step how to design an org chart in Notion while keeping the process updated with current best practices and features.

Step 1: Set Up a New Page

1. Open Notion and navigate to the Workspace or page where you want to create your org chart.
2. In the left sidebar, click on the + button to create a new page. Give your page a descriptive name such as "Org Chart."

Step 2: Choose a Layout

1. On your new page, click on the + symbol to add a new block.
2. Choose a layout that best suits your needs. Common options include:

• Table: Offers a spreadsheet-like view that works well for smaller organizations or simpler structures.
• Board: Provides a more visual interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to rearrange components for larger or more dynamic hierarchies.
• Gallery: Useful for when you want to include images, such as employee photos or department logos, for a more engaging presentation.

Each layout has its distinct advantages, so select the one that aligns with your organization's requirements.

Step 3: Enter Employee or Department Data

1. Add the employees or departments as rows in a table or as cards in a board or gallery.

• For the table layout, click the + symbol at the bottom or side of the table to add new rows.
• For the board or gallery layout, click the + symbol within each column to add new cards.

1. Under each employee or department name, include additional details such as titles, roles, contact information, and any relevant notes. Utilize extra columns or card content to store this information.

Step 4: Define Relationships and Reporting Lines

1. Establish relationships and reporting lines by linking employees or departments.

• In a table layout, you can use the Person, Select, or even the Relation property (linking to other databases) to indicate reporting structures. The Person column can directly link to contacts in your Notion Workspace, while Relation properties help create cross-references between different sets of data.
• In a board or gallery layout, you can visually arrange cards to indicate reporting lines, using grouping or color-coding to enhance clarity.

Step 5: Customize Your Org Chart

1. Once your basic structure is ready, customize your org chart to make it both informative and visually appealing:

• Adjust column widths or card sizes to ensure all information is visible.
• Format text, add colors, or apply styles using Notion's built-in formatting options.
• Insert images like employee photos or department logos to bring a personal touch to the chart.
• Consider using Notion’s Emoji support or icons to represent different roles or departments.

Step 6: Collaborate and Share

1. Share your org chart with colleagues by inviting them to view or edit the Notion page.

• Click the Share button at the top right of your page.
• Set the appropriate sharing settings, defining permissions and access levels to control who can view or edit the chart.

1. As collaborators add new data or make updates, the chart evolves into a dynamic and up-to-date resource for your organization.

Step 7: Keep Your Org Chart Updated

1. As your organization evolves with new employees, departments, or changes in structure:

• Add new entries as additional rows or cards.
• Update reporting relationships and other details as needed.

1. Regularly review and revise the org chart to ensure it remains accurate and reflects the current state of your organization.

Creating an org chart in Notion is not only a practical way to visualize your organization’s structure but also a powerful tool for collaboration and communication. With its versatile layouts and customization options, you can design an org chart that meets your specific needs. Invest the time to set it up properly, and you’ll have a valuable resource that grows and adapts alongside your organization.