Best Free Org Chart Software in 2026
Disclosure: OrgCanvas is our product. We obviously think it's great, but we'll be honest about every tool on this list — including where they beat us. You can make your own call.
We looked at every org chart tool with a free tier (not just a free trial) and ranked them on what matters: how many people you can add for free, feature quality, ease of use, and what you'll need to pay for eventually.
What "Free" Actually Means
Let's be clear about the difference between "free" and "free trial":
- Free tier: You can use the tool indefinitely with some limitations (usually team size or features). This is genuinely free.
- Free trial: You get full access for 7-30 days, then everything locks. This is not free — it's a demo.
We only include tools with actual free tiers, though we note trials where relevant.
The Rankings
1. Google Sheets (Built-in Org Chart)
Surprise — the best completely free org chart tool is one you probably already have. Google Sheets has a built-in org chart type that creates charts from your spreadsheet data. It's ugly, but it's unlimited and data-driven.
✓ Pros
- 100% free, no limits
- Data-driven (add a row = add a person)
- Collaborative in real-time
- Interactive (click to expand/collapse)
✗ Cons
- Very basic styling
- No photos, no dotted lines
- No PDF/PowerPoint export
- Breaks at 40-50 people
2. OrgCanvas
OrgCanvas offers a free tier for up to 25 people with no time limit. You get the full feature set: drag-and-drop editing, CSV import, auto-layout, dotted lines, and export to PNG and PDF. The 25-person limit is generous enough for many small businesses and startups to use permanently.
✓ Pros
- 25 people free, no time limit
- Full features on free tier
- Beautiful auto-layout
- CSV import with auto-detect
- Shareable links
✗ Cons
- 25-person limit on free tier
- PowerPoint export is Pro only
- No HRIS integrations (CSV import only)
3. Canva
Canva has org chart templates in its free tier. Since Canva is a design tool, the output looks polished. But it's manual — you drag boxes and type names. There's no data import, no auto-layout, and no way to maintain it as a living document.
✓ Pros
- Beautiful templates
- Design flexibility
- Free tier is generous
- Easy to learn
✗ Cons
- Manual (no data import)
- No auto-layout
- Not designed for maintenance
- No search, filter, or collapse
4. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a powerful general-purpose diagramming tool with org chart capabilities. The free tier is limited to 3 editable documents with 60 shapes per document — so you can build one small org chart for free. Data linking (importing from CSV) requires a paid plan.
✓ Pros
- Powerful diagramming engine
- Good collaboration features
- Integration ecosystem
- Professional output
✗ Cons
- 60-shape limit on free (tiny org chart)
- Data import is paid only
- Generalist tool, not org-chart-specific
- $7.95+/user/month for real use
5. Miro
Miro's free tier includes org chart templates on its infinite canvas. Like Canva, it's a manual process — drag boxes, connect them. But if your team already uses Miro for brainstorming and planning, keeping the org chart there avoids another tool.
✓ Pros
- Infinite canvas
- Good for collaborative editing
- Template library
- If you already use Miro, it's convenient
✗ Cons
- Manual box placement
- No data import on free tier
- Not purpose-built for org charts
- 3-board limit on free
6. Microsoft Excel / PowerPoint SmartArt
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription (not free, but most companies have it), SmartArt in Excel or PowerPoint can create org charts. It's not great, but it's included in software you're probably already paying for.
✓ Pros
- "Free" if you have Office
- No signup or new tool
- Good enough for presentations
✗ Cons
- Painful to maintain
- No data-driven charts
- Breaks at 20+ people
- No sharing links
Honorable Mentions (Free Trials Only)
These tools don't have permanent free tiers, but their trials are worth knowing about:
- Organimi: 14-day trial. Good for mid-market if you need workforce planning. Our comparison.
- ChartHop: Demo only. Enterprise-focused, per-employee pricing. Our comparison.
- Pingboard (Workleap): No free tier since the Workleap acquisition. Our comparison.
Our Recommendation
For most small teams, the choice comes down to:
- Zero budget, ugly is okay: Google Sheets
- Zero budget, want it to look professional: OrgCanvas free tier (up to 25 people)
- Need it for one presentation only: PowerPoint SmartArt or Canva
- Need a general diagramming tool: Lucidchart or Miro
If your team grows past 25 people and you want to keep using OrgCanvas, Pro is $49/year flat — less than one month of most competitors. But the free tier has no feature restrictions, so you can evaluate fully before deciding.