How to Create Awesome Graphics with No Design Skills
Visuals are everything. Whether you’re creating a presentation, designing marketing materials or making social media posts, eye catching graphics can make the difference between grabbing attention or being scrolled past. But what if you don’t have design skills or access to expensive design software? That’s where SmartArt comes in. In this post we’ll show you how to use SmartArt to turn text into visual magic — no design background required.
We’ll cover the basics of SmartArt graphics, how to choose the right SmartArt style and walk through using the Text Pane, modifying shapes, using the Design Tab and how to delete shapes or add text. By the end you’ll be able to make professional looking graphics with tools you already have on your computer. Ready? Let’s get started.
What is SmartArt?
SmartArt is a feature in Microsoft Office tools like Word, PowerPoint and Excel. It allows you to create graphics that visualise information and ideas, making complex data or lists easier to understand. SmartArt is great for:
- Summarising key points in presentations
- Showing process flows, hierarchies or relationships
- Turning bullet points into visual magic
- Enhancing reports and documents with simple but cool graphics
Even if you’ve never used SmartArt before you’ll see how easy and versatile it is.
Getting Started with Smart Art Graphics
To start, open any Microsoft Office application and go to the Insert tab. Here you’ll find the SmartArt button. Click it and a window will open showing different categories of SmartArt graphics you can choose from, such as Lists, Processes, Cycles, Hierarchy, Relationships, Matrix and Pyramid.
Each category has multiple layouts to suit different purposes. For example a Process layout might be perfect for a step by step guide, while a Hierarchy layout works well for an organisational chart.
Pro tip: Don’t just pick a graphic because it looks good — choose one that fits the information you want to present.
Choosing the Right SmartArt Style
Once you’ve selected a SmartArt layout the SmartArt Style options allow you to customise the look and feel. This is where you can make your graphic match your brand or presentation style.
On the Design Tab (which appears when you click on a SmartArt graphic) you’ll find several SmartArt styles to apply, from subtle and minimalist to bold and colourful. These styles control the shapes, effects and colours of your SmartArt so you can get a professional looking graphic without manual adjustments.
Example:
- Use a subtle style for formal reports.
- Use a bold, colourful style for social media graphics or marketing presentations.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. You can always switch styles or customise further using the Format tab.
Working with the Text Pane
The Text Pane is where you input the content that appears inside your SmartArt graphic. When you click on a SmartArt, a small arrow icon will appear on its side. Clicking this opens the Text Pane, where you can type your text or paste in bullet points from elsewhere.
The Text Pane is structured like an outline: each top level bullet corresponds to a main shape in the graphic, while indented bullets create sub-shapes or levels.
Why use the Text Pane?
- It gives you a clear, structured way to organise your content.
- You can quickly adjust the hierarchy by pressing Tab (to indent) or Shift+Tab (to outdent).
- It helps you focus on the content before worrying about the visuals.
If you prefer you can also type directly into the shapes on the graphic, but the Text Pane is better for larger projects.
Customising Shapes: Add Text and Delete Shapes
After you’ve set up your graphic you might need to make changes — like adding more content or simplifying the design.
Add Text
To add text to a shape, simply click inside it and start typing. You can also go back to the Text Pane and add a new bullet, which will automatically create a new shape on the graphic.
Tips for adding text:
- Keep it concise — SmartArt is for summarising, not cramming in paragraphs.
- Use keywords or short phrases for maximum visual impact.
- Consider using icons or symbols alongside text for extra clarity.
Delete Shapes
If you need to delete shapes, select the shape you want to remove and press Delete on your keyboard. Alternatively, remove the corresponding bullet in the Text Pane. The graphic will adjust itself automatically to fill in the space, keeping your layout balanced.
Be mindful: Deleting shapes can sometimes affect the overall balance or design of the SmartArt, so make sure to preview the changes and adjust as needed.
Using the Design Tab for Advanced Tweaks
The Design Tab in SmartArt has some powerful tools to refine your graphic:Change Colors: Swap the color scheme to match your presentation or document.
- Change Layout: If you realize another layout is better for your content, switch it without starting over.
- Promote/Demote: Move items up or down levels.
- Right-to-Left: Reverse the graphic if needed (useful for different reading cultures).
- Reset Graphic: If things get messy, reset everything to original.
These tools let you iterate quickly without design software or technical knowledge.
SmartArt Graphic Ideas
Here are some real-life examples:
- Presentations: Turn boring bullet lists into colorful process diagrams.
- Marketing: Create comparison charts for product features.
- Education: Show relationships between concepts or summarize key takeaways.
- Reports: Visualize progress, timelines or data summaries.
- Social Media: Make infographics directly in PowerPoint or Word.
SmartArt is a hidden gem for non-designers looking to level up their projects.
Smart Art with Other Smart Tools
SmartArt gets even more powerful when combined with other smart tools. For example:
- Use AI writing tools to generate content before feeding into SmartArt.
- Pair SmartArt with data visualizations from Excel for richer reports.
- Create video presentations with SmartArt graphics using AI video tools.
By combining simple graphic tools with smart tech, you can produce pro-level materials without a designer or expensive software.
Final Tips for Stunning SmartArt Graphics
- Start with your message. Don’t let the graphic dictate the content — know what you want to say first.
- Keep it simple. Less is more. Don’t overcrowd shapes with too much text.
- Match your visuals to your audience. Formal or corporate audiences may prefer minimal styles, while creative or consumer audiences may respond to colorful, dynamic designs.
- Test readability. Make sure your SmartArt looks good on-screen and printed.
- Stay consistent. Use the same SmartArt style and color palette across all your materials to build a brand.
If you’re ready to take your smart art creations to the next level, the Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for beginners. This compact tablet connects easily to your computer, allowing you to draw, edit, and enhance your AI-generated images with precision. Its pressure-sensitive pen gives you natural control, making it ideal for refining details or adding personal touches to SmartArt graphics and designs. Plus, it’s lightweight and affordable — perfect for anyone looking to experiment with digital art without a steep learning curve. Check it out on Amazon.
Check this amazing graphic tablet.
Wrapping Up: Why SmartArt is a Game-Changer for Non-Designers
In a world where visuals matter more than ever, SmartArt gives you the power to create beautiful, meaningful graphics without design training. By mastering the basics of SmartArt graphics, choosing the right SmartArt style, using the Text Pane and adding/deleting shapes you can create impressive visuals that support your message.
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