Software to create organization charts. Three open source options

Organization charts they are graphic representations of the structure of an organization. In other words, it shows the hierarchical relationships between the various parts of them. In this post We analyze 3 open source softwares that allow us to create them.

Through the preparation and analysis of the organization charts we can:

• Discover internal control problems.
• Eliminate duplication of functions.
• Allocate responsibilities and resources more appropriately.
• Establish clear lines of authority.

The first organization charts were made with pencil and paper following regulations established by professional organizations. With the popularization of computers, tools with graphic capabilities such as Powerpoint began to be used. However, both methods made the update somewhat slow and cumbersome so the usefulness of the organization charts suffered a lot.

Luckily, they developed new IT tools that allow real-time updates to answer questions such as:

• Are the tasks of each employee clearly defined?
• Who has to report to whom?
• Are all employees clear about their goals and objectives?
• Are there any changes to the assignment of tasks and responsibilities?

Software to create organization charts. What is it for?

The software for creating organization charts is a tool that helps to visualize, design, modify, interpret and edit organizational structures that allow vSee the relationships between the different employees, departments and processes of an organization. Employee information can be entered from a spreadsheet, HR software, payroll system or any other database, and then automatically create an org chart. Some applications allow you to digitally share those charts in PDF form, embed them on your website, in a word processor, or print them.

Visual Understanding Environment

This program requires a Java virtual machine to work. The Windows and Mac versions are installable while the Linux version starts by giving it execution permissions and opening the program with OpenJDK or Oracle JDK.

The program pIt allows mapping concepts, content, tasks, roles and responsibilities. Prepared flowcharts can be shared in different image and PDF formats.

The application has a very simple interface that allows you to zoom in and out with one click. Also It is possible to navigate through the different nodes of the organization chart as if it were a slide show.

Key features

• RSS and CSV files can be imported.
• Each of the nodes and links can be tagged with metadata.
• Multiple org charts can be merged.
• The different branches of each node can be easily collapsed and expanded.

DIA diagram editor

The program is the only one of those discussed here that can be found in the repositories of the main Linux distributions, it is ideal for drawing structured diagrams. It also has versions for Windows and Mac OSX.

Day comes with a library of ready-to-use objects useful for preparing professional organization charts. Also, it can read and write several different raster and vector image formats. Using Python, extensions can be programmed that extend its capabilities.

Key features

• Allows you to draw structured diagrams, including organization charts, network diagrams, flowcharts, and more.
• Easy to use user interface
• It has support for different import / export formats
• Includes a library of over 1000 predefined objects and symbols

My Draw

It is also an app Open source, but only has versions for Windows and Mac.

My Draw allows the creation of different types of diagrams, including organization charts, mind maps, flowcharts, business model diagrams, network diagrams, floor plans, family tree diagrams, etc. It includes ready-to-use templates and a vast library of shapes to quickly create highly creative flowcharts.

Key features

• Easy to use interface
• Allows you to create vector graphics
• Includes rich text features
• It comes with router connectors that can automatically redirect when endpoints are changed.
• It has reusable templates that allow automation in the creation of organization charts
• Includes a vast library of high-quality clipart and shapes
• Graphics can be printed and exported in PDF format
• It has the ability to convert flowcharts into high resolution images.

Although they do not have such advanced capabilities, tools such as Scribus, Inkscape y LibreOffice Draw include symbols that allow you to easily create organization charts that are not too complex.