---
title: "Org Chart Tools: An Evolution from Manual to Cloud-based"
description: In the past, org charts were typically created manually using paper and pencil. With the advent of computers, desktop software like Visio became a popular tool for creating org charts.
image: https://www.functionly.com/hubfs/cloud-g2155a2229_1280.jpg
---

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[ Use Cases ](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/best-org-chart-software/org-charting-tools-an-evolution-from-manual-to-cloud-based#)

[ Restructures ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/restructures)

[ Workforce Expansion ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/workforce-expansion)

[ Reduction in Workforce (RIF) ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/reduction-in-workforce)

[ Mergers and Acquisitions ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/mergers-and-acquisitions)

[ Annual Strategic Planning ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/annual-strategic-planning)

[ New Executives ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-executives)

[ Executive Accountability ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/executive-accountability)

[ New Strategic Direction ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/new-strategic-direction)

[ Preparing for Org Change ](https://www.functionly.com/use-cases/preparing-for-org-change)

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[Technology](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/technology), [Org Charts](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/org-charts)

# Org Chart Tools: An Evolution from Manual to Cloud-based

 Expert author: [Amy Springer](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/author/amy-j-springer)

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Org charts are an essential tool for many businesses, used to visualize the hierarchy of a company and track relationships between employees.

In the past, org charts were typically created manually using paper and pencil. With the advent of computers, desktop software like Visio became a popular tool for creating org charts. However, in recent years cloud-based org chart tools have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and features like real-time collaboration. In this blog post we will take a look at some of the most popular org chart tools available today, and discuss why they are so useful for businesses.

## The history of org charting tools

![Tabulating_Machine_Co_Organization_Chart](https://www.functionly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tabulating_Machine_Co_Organization_Chart.jpeg?width=1024&name=Tabulating_Machine_Co_Organization_Chart.jpeg)*Organization Chart of Tabulating Machine Co., 1917  (licensed under the [Creative Commons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Creative_Commons) [Attribution 2.5 Generic](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/deed.en) license)*

Org charts have been used for centuries in some form or another. One of the first org charts on record was created by the [Tabulating Machine Company](https://www.ibm.com/ibm/history/history/decade_1890.html) (which later became IBM) in the late 1800s. These org charts were made with paper and pen and were used to track the organizational structure of businesses.

In the early days of computing, org charts created with paper and pen were slowly replaced by software. Programs designed for general charting, like Visio, began to be used to create more complex org charts. This software allowed users to create org charts that were more accurate and easier to update than hand drawn ones.

More recently, cloud-based org charting tools have become popular. These tools allow users to create and update org charts online, without having to install any software on their computer. Cloud-based org charting tools are often cheaper than traditional software, and they are also easier to use the charting and drawing software. With features like drag and drop and the ability to sort and filter organizational chart data, cloud-based org charting tools are also arguably easier to use than paper and pen!

## How do cloud-based org chart tools work?

Cloud-based org chart tools work by allowing users to create and update their org charts online from virtually any computer or device. This is done by connecting to a remote server where the data is stored - typically referred to as a Software-as-a-Service model.

*Functionly is a cloud based org chart tool, meaning you can use it right in the browser without downloading anything!*

Being cloud-based gives newer org charting tools unique features that weren't possible with older solutions, like real-time collaboration. This allows users to work together on org charts in real-time, without having to email files with updates back and forth.

Cloud-based org chart tools also benefit from constantly being updated with the latest features and bug fixes - without users having to do anything! This is in contrast to traditional software, which needs to be manually installed and updated by users.

## The benefits of cloud-based org chart tools for scaling enterprises

![Large-SaaS-Organization](https://www.functionly.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Large-SaaS-Organization.jpg?width=780&name=Large-SaaS-Organization.jpg)

As the number of employees in a business grows, its organizational structure inevitably grows, too. This can be difficult to track and manage manually with traditional desktop computer org chart tools, which are often generic presentation or diagramming tools. Cloud-based org chart tools are generally able to connect to typical HR data sources and import organizational data changes as required. Some even do it automatically. This allows cloud-based tools to easily scale to accommodate businesses of any size.

From a cost perspective, cloud-based org chart tools are ideal for businesses that are growing rapidly or have plans to grow in the future. Cloud tools are generally purchased in a subscription model, which means businesses only pay for what they need - there are no big upfront costs like there can be for traditional software. And, because users can access cloud-based tools from any computer or device, there is no need to purchase and install expensive software on each individual machine.

## The best cloud-based org chart tools available today

Unlike our friends back at the Tabulating Machine Company, we can access many great org charting tools today that well and truly outperform paper and pen! Check out these other helpful articles to assist in choosing the best org charting tool for you:

- [Learn About the Best Org Chart Software](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/best-org-chart-software)
- [Which Org Chart Software Should I Use?](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/best-org-chart-software/which-org-chart-software-should-i-use)
- [Creating an Interactive Org Chart](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/best-org-chart-software/creating-an-interactive-org-chart)

Org charting tools have come a long way since the days of pen and paper. Cloud-based org chart tools are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to use, affordable, and scalable. These tools allow users to create and update org charts online, without having to install any software on their computer. Cloud-based org charting tools also benefit from constantly being updated with the latest features and bug fixes - without users having to do anything! This makes them an ideal choice for businesses that are growing rapidly or have plans to grow in the future.

## Time to Evolve Your Org Chart!

We don't expect that you're still creating org charts with pen and paper (hopefully!). But if you're still using Word or PowerPoint or spreadsheets to build them, it could be time to evolve.  Modern org charting tools have come a long way and offer many features and benefits that older solutions simply can't match. Cloud-based org charting tools are easy to use, affordable, and scalable - perfect for businesses of any size.

So if you're looking for a better way to create org charts, be sure to check out Functionly to help you navigate the future. Functionly is a cloud-based org charting tool that helps you manage your organizational data and provides insightful analytics so you can plan for the future.

So why wait? Time to evolve your org charting today! You can [get started today, for free](https://www.functionly.com/pricing). Learn more about the [best org chart software](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/best-org-chart-software).

[Technology](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/technology) [Org Charts](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/org-charts)

## Related articles

<https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/integrations-keep-your-current-org-charts-up-to-date>

[Product](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/product)

3/08/25

#### [Big news: Integrations that keep your current org charts up-to-date](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/integrations-keep-your-current-org-charts-up-to-date)

 By: Damian Bramanis <https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/author/damian-bramanis>

<https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/culture-by-design-how-leading-organizations-shape-their-identity>

[Leadership](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/leadership), [People & Culture](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/tag/people-culture)

11/07/25

#### [Culture by Design: How Leading Organizations Shape Their Identity](https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/culture-by-design-how-leading-organizations-shape-their-identity)

 By: Clayton Moulynox <https://www.functionly.com/orginometry/author/clayton-m>

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