Document Editing Problems

How to Connect Nonsequential SmartArt Boxes in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to draw a connector line between two unrelated or nonsequential boxes within a Microsoft Word SmartArt hierarchy diagram.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or editing a complex hierarchy diagram where cross-links are required between non-adjacent or unrelated nodes.
Observed behavior: SmartArt does not offer a built-in feature to directly link nonsequential boxes with automatic connectors.

Before you start

Before modifying your SmartArt graphic, ensure you have finalized the basic hierarchy structure, as manually added lines will not automatically move if you rearrange the SmartArt boxes later.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert a Manual Shape Connector

Since SmartArt doesn't natively support cross-linking unrelated nodes, you can draw a standard shape line between them to simulate a connection.

This is the most direct workaround for adding connections that break the strict hierarchical rules of SmartArt templates.

Access the Shapes Menu

Go to the 'Insert' tab on the Word ribbon and click on 'Shapes' in the Illustrations group.

Select a Line Tool

Choose a standard line, arrow, or elbow connector from the 'Lines' section of the drop-down menu.

Draw the Connection

Click and drag from the edge of the first SmartArt box to the edge of the second nonsequential box to draw the connector.

Format the Line

Use the 'Shape Format' tab to adjust the line weight, color, and style so that it matches the design of your SmartArt graphic.

Manual Alignment Required: Manual shapes are not grouped with the SmartArt by default. If you move or resize the SmartArt graphic, you will need to manually adjust the drawn line to keep it connected.

Solution 2

Reorganize the Hierarchy or Change the Layout

If you require automatic alignment and consistent formatting, consider altering the logical structure or choosing a layout better suited for cross-connections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I group the manually added line with the SmartArt graphic?

No, Microsoft Word does not allow grouping a standard drawn shape directly with a SmartArt graphic object. However, you can place both inside a single Drawing Canvas (Insert > Shapes > New Drawing Canvas) to keep them together when moving them around the document.

Why can't I link two separate SmartArt boxes automatically?

SmartArt is designed strictly for hierarchical, cyclic, and linear data representation based on built-in templates. It does not support complex network, matrix, or customized cross-linking outside of its predefined structural rules.

Is there a better tool in Word for complex diagrams with cross-connections?

For complex flowcharts or diagrams requiring multiple nonsequential connections, it is often better to build the diagram entirely using standard Shapes and automatic connectors within a Drawing Canvas, rather than relying on SmartArt.

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