Add a shape to a SmartArt graphic

You can add shapes either from within the SmartArt graphic or from within the Text pane.

Add a shape from within the SmartArt graphic

1. Click the SmartArt graphic that you want to add a shape to.
2. Click the existing shape that is located closest to where you want to add the new shape.
3. Under SmartArt Tools, click the Design tab.

   

4. In the Create Graphic group, click the arrow under Add Shape, and then do one of the following to select a location for the new shape:

   

   • To insert a shape at the same level as the selected shape but following it, click Add Shape After.
   • To insert a shape at the same level as the selected shape but before it, click Add Shape Before.
   • To insert a shape one level above the selected shape, click Add Shape Above.

     The new shape takes the position of the selected shape, and the selected shape and all of the shapes below it are demoted one level each.

   • To insert a shape one level below the selected shape, click Add Shape Below.

     The new shape is added at the end of other shapes at the same level.

Notes:

• To quickly add a shape that matches those in your SmartArt graphic, click Add Shape, rather than the arrow under Add Shape, in step 4 above.
• If you click Add Shape when you do not have a shape selected, a shape is added either at the end of the top level shapes or below a top level shape to keep your SmartArt graphic balanced.
• The Add Assistant shape is only available if you have chosen an organization chart layout.

Add a shape from within the Text pane

Add a shape before an existing shape

1. In the Text pane, place your cursor at the beginning of the text where you want to add a shape.
2. Type your text, and then press ENTER.

Add a shape after an existing shape

1. In the Text pane, place your cursor at the end of the text where you want to add a shape.
2. Press ENTER, and then type your text.

Notes:

• To indent the new shape, press TAB from within the Text pane. To negative indent, press SHIFT+TAB.
• If you select a shape that connects or links other shapes, such as a line or an arrow, and then click Add Shape, both the connecting shape and the shape next to it will be added - thus maintaining the balance of the layout design. To insert a connecting shape only, add a line or other shape to your SmartArt graphic.
• To insert a shape that is different from all shapes currently present in the layout, first add a default shape, and then replace the shape.
• If you want to add a customized shape either to the same SmartArt graphic or to another SmartArt graphic that has the same layout name, copy and paste the shape. You don't need to redo all your customizations after adding the shape. For example, if you have changed one of the rectangular shapes in Basic Process 1A to a red triangle, you can copy and paste the red triangle to Basic Process 1B without having to redo your color customizations. The triangle customization will not be maintained unless you are copying and pasting within the same SmartArt graphic.
• To quickly add additional Assistant shapes, place your cursor at the end of the text representing an assistant and then press ENTER.

See also:

• Delete a shape from a SmartArt graphic
• Draw or delete a line, connector, or freeform shape
• Overview of the Text pane used with SmartArt graphics
• Replace a shape