Can't Edit Org Charts in Word

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 11, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2021

Kris is responsible to keep her company's organizational documents up to date. These documents include org charts that she created in Word. The last time she updated the documents was at the end of last year. She recently tried to update the org charts, but she gets an error message saying the Organization Chart Add-in is not installed. Trying to install it leads nowhere, so Kris is wondering how she can fix the issue.

It appears, Kris, that there is no fix for this, at least not when it comes to Microsoft 365. Apparently, Microsoft has removed the Organization Chart Add-in, as described at this page:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/organization-chart-add-in-is-not-available-in-office-applications-87deebb8-a053-4af1-ae52-7e865b745474

One of the touted benefits of subscription-based software such as Microsoft 365 is that you can receive new updates at the drop of a hat, on a continual basis. This is two-edged sword, however, as Microsoft can just as easily remove features that they previously offered.

One potential solution is that you might try updating the org charts using an older version of Word, one that isn't subscription-based like Microsoft 365 is. It is possible that the add-in will be available in the older version.

The only other solution is to recreate the org charts using different software. (Not a pleasant thought, I know.)

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13922) applies to Microsoft Word 2021.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

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What is five more than 1?

2024-12-15 08:32:34

Miguel Antonio Suárez

Hi Kris, how are you?

I was looking for a way to create, insert, edit and the like, charts in MS Word, such organizational charts. So, using 'Search WordTips' toolbox, on the upper right corner, I found 'Understanding SmartArt' WordTip (https://wordribbon.tips.net/T009386_Understanding_SmartArt.html) suitable for that purpose.

Maybe, this can help you.

Greetings and have a very nice holydays. ¡Marry Chrismas!

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