March 19, 2012 A SmartArt graphic is a visual representation of
information and ideas, and a chart is a visual illustration of
numeric values or data. Basically, SmartArt graphics are
designed for text and charts are designed for numbers. Use the
information below to decide when to use a SmartArt graphic and
when to use a chart. Use a SmartArt graphic if you want to do
any of the following: - Create an organization chart. - Show
hierarchy, such as a decision tree. - Illustrate steps or stages
in a process or workflow. - Show the flow of a process,
procedure, or other event. - List information. - Show cyclical
or repetitive information. - Show a relationship between parts,
such as overlapping concepts. - Create a matrix illustration. -
Show proportional or hierarchical information in a pyramid
illustration. - Create an illustration quickly by typing or
pasting your text and having it automatically positioned and
arranged for you. Use a chart if you want to do any of the
following: - Create a bar chart or colum