SmartArt
By the Syncfusion DevTutorials team · Last updated
Build list, process, cycle, and hierarchy diagrams with SmartArt; edit items and levels; and change layouts and colors. Then design a company overview in the Chapter 3 project.
Creating diagrams with individual shapes can take time. SmartArt helps you build professional diagrams quickly by arranging shapes, spacing, and connections automatically. In this lesson, you'll learn how to create SmartArt graphics, edit their content, change layouts and colors, and convert ideas into visual diagrams.
Open the PowerPoint sandbox and follow along.
SmartArt Types
SmartArt provides different diagram types for different kinds of information.
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| List | Related items | Product features |
| Process | Steps in order | Plan, Build, Launch |
| Cycle | Repeating stages | Plan, Do, Check, Act |
| Hierarchy | Levels and reporting structures | Organization chart |
| Relationship | Connections between ideas | Venn diagram |
| Matrix | Parts of a whole | Four-quadrant diagram |
| Pyramid | Levels or stages | Learning pyramid |
Choose the SmartArt type based on the message you want to communicate.
Examples:
- Use Process for step-by-step procedures.
- Use Cycle for repeating activities.
- Use Hierarchy for organizational structures.
- Use List for grouped information.
If you're unsure which layout works best, insert a SmartArt graphic and enter your content first. You can switch layouts later without losing your text.
Insert SmartArt
To insert a SmartArt graphic:
- Select a slide.
- Click Insert > SmartArt.
- Choose a SmartArt category.
- Select a layout.
- Click Insert.
For example: Insert > SmartArt > Process > Chevron Process
The SmartArt graphic appears on the slide with sample text.
Edit SmartArt Text
Each SmartArt shape contains text that can be edited.
In the Sandbox
- Select the SmartArt graphic.
- Locate the Text Pane in SmartArt Properties.
- Replace the sample text with your own content.
In PowerPoint
- Select the SmartArt graphic.
- Open the Text Pane.
- Type one item per line.
Examples:
Plan
Build
Launch
Each line becomes a SmartArt shape automatically.
Keep text brief for the best appearance.
Recommended:
Plan
Build
Launch
Avoid: Conduct extensive market research before beginning development
Add Items and Sub-Items
SmartArt allows additional items and levels to be added.
Add Items
Add a new item at the current level.
Example:
Plan
Build
Launch
Review
Add Sub-Items
Create additional levels of information.
Example:
Manager
- Designer
- Developer
These levels are especially useful in Hierarchy diagrams.
Available commands include:
- Add Shape
- Promote
- Demote
- Add Assistant
SmartArt automatically adjusts shape sizes and spacing when items are added or removed. This allows you to focus on the content instead of manually arranging shapes.
Change the Layout
You can switch to a different SmartArt layout at any time.
Examples:
- Process → Cycle
- List → Hierarchy
- Cycle → Relationship
The content remains unchanged while the design updates automatically.
In the Sandbox
Use Switch Layout in the SmartArt Properties panel.
In PowerPoint
Use: SmartArt Design > Layouts to select a new design.
Change Colors and Styles
SmartArt uses theme colors, making it easy to maintain presentation consistency.
Change Colors
To change colors:
- Select the SmartArt graphic.
- Choose a color scheme.
Examples:
- Colorful
- Monochromatic
- Accent colors
SmartArt Styles
SmartArt Styles apply visual enhancements such as:
- Shadows
- Reflections
- Bevel effects
- 3D effects
To apply a style: SmartArt Design > SmartArt Styles
Because SmartArt uses theme colors, changing the theme automatically updates the graphic's appearance.
Convert Bullets to SmartArt
PowerPoint can convert a bulleted list directly into a SmartArt graphic.
Example bullet list:
Plan
Build
Launch
To convert:
- Select the bulleted list.
- Click Home > Convert to SmartArt.
- Choose a SmartArt design.
PowerPoint automatically creates the diagram using the existing content.
Convert to SmartArt is not available in the PowerPoint sandbox. In the sandbox, insert a SmartArt graphic and enter the items manually.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Process layout for unordered items | The audience reads a sequence that isn't there | Use a List layout |
| Too many items | The text becomes tiny | Split into two graphics, or two slides |
| Long sentences in shapes | Text shrinks and wraps badly | Keep to a few words; explain the rest out loud |
| Ungrouping SmartArt to edit it | It stops resizing automatically | Edit through the text pane instead |
| Sample text left in | "Step 3" appears in the show | Replace or delete every sample item |
Exercise
Click Reset in the sandbox header. Add a Title Only slide and type Our Process as its title. Then do each task on slide 2 and press Check.
Chapter project
Put Chapter 3 together. You'll turn a plain draft into a designed company overview for Bright Labs. First, download the company logo: bright-labs-logo.png.
Company Overview
What to Remember
- SmartArt creates professional diagrams automatically.
- Common SmartArt types include List, Process, Cycle, Hierarchy, Relationship, Matrix, and Pyramid.
- Use Insert > SmartArt to add a SmartArt graphic.
- Enter content through the SmartArt Text Pane.
- Add Item, Promote, and Demote help build levels and hierarchy.
- SmartArt automatically adjusts its layout when content changes.
- You can change the layout at any time without losing your text.
- SmartArt uses theme colors, making it easy to maintain consistency.
- SmartArt Styles add visual effects and formatting.
- In PowerPoint, Convert to SmartArt transforms bulleted lists into diagrams.
That's the end of Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, you'll learn how to work with tables, charts, audio, and video to make presentations more informative and engaging.