SmartArt graphics with fewer concepts and fewer words are often most effective. Or you can reevaluate your content to see if any of the information is less vital to your message. When you switch to a different SmartArt graphic layout, most of your text and other content, colors, styles, effects, and text formatting are automatically carried over to the new layout. For example, a layout with arrows pointing to the right, such as Basic Process in the Process type, has a different meaning from a SmartArt graphic with arrows going in a circle, such as Continuous Cycle in the Cycle type. Keep in mind that changing layouts or types can alter the meaning of your information. If you need to convey more than two ideas, switch to another SmartArt graphic layout that has more than two shapes for text, such as the Basic Pyramid layout in the Pyramid type. If you choose a layout with a limited number of shapes, you can tell what content will not appear in your SmartArt graphic because a red X (rather than a bullet point) will appear next to these items in the Text pane. Only two shapes can contain text, and the layout cannot be changed to display more ideas or concepts. For example, the Counterbalance Arrows layout in the Relationship type is designed to show two opposing ideas or concepts.

Some layouts for SmartArt graphics contain a limited number of shapes. Make sure that the most important data is in the position of greatest attention. Looking at the positioning of the summary information in relation to the details helps you get a sense of which pieces of information will draw the most attention from your audience. Other layouts combine subpoints with their summary points. Some layouts are made up of separate shapes for each item of information, including subpoints. However, some layouts, such as the Trapezoid List layout in the List type, work well with larger amounts of text.įor each type of SmartArt graphic, many unique layouts are available.

Larger amounts of text can distract from the visual appeal of your SmartArt graphic and make it harder to convey your message visually. Are there several main points with subpoints underneath them? Do the details carry more weight than the summary points, or vice versa? In general, SmartArt graphics are most effective when the number of shapes and the amount of text are limited to key points. Use pictures prominently to convey or accent content.Īlso consider the amount of text that you have, because the amount of text affects the look and the number of shapes that you need in a layout. Show proportional relationships with the largest component on the top or bottom. Show steps in a process or timeline create a flow chart. The table below is not an exhaustive list, but can help you as a starting point. A type is similar to a category that can help you quickly choose the appropriate layout for your information. Since you can quickly and easily switch layouts, try different layouts (across types) until you find the one that best illustrates your message. Before you choose a layout for your SmartArt graphic, ask yourself what you want to convey and whether you want your information to appear a certain way.

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