Making a decision involves weighing many factors against each other. A decision tree illustrates this in a pictorial process. A typical decision tree originates from a single node that may split into other nodes and branches in many directions. Each branch may expand in path lines depending on conclusions and probabilities until leading to a leaf or decision.
2 ways to create a decision tree in MS Word
- Using Shapes
- Using SmartArt
We will show you both methods of creating a decision tree in MS Word using simple, step-by-step instructions.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Decision Tree Using Shapes
This method uses basic shapes and a flow chart process to create a decision tree.
Step #1: Open Word Document
Open a Word document.
Navigate to the page where you want the decision tree to appear.
Step #2: Insert an oval shape
Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Under Basic Shapes, click on the Oval icon.
The cursor will change to a cross.
Place the cross on the page.
Click and drag diagonally down to create the shape.
Click on the handles and drag to reshape and reposition the oval. The handles are the small circles on the lines surrounding the shape.
Note: The oval shape will represent a node in the decision tree.
Step #3: Insert triangle shape
Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Under Basic Shapes, click on the Isosceles Triangle icon.
Tip: Hover the mouse over each icon to see their name appear.
The cursor will change to a cross.
Position the cross suitably on the page.
Click and drag diagonally down to create an isosceles triangle.
Click on the handles and drag to reshape and reposition the triangle. The handles are the small circles on the lines surrounding the shape.
Note: The isosceles triangle will represent a leaf in the decision tree.
Step #4: Add text to oval shape
Right-click the oval shape.
A menu will open.
Click on the Add Text icon.
Type an appropriate text inside the oval shape.
Step #5: Add text to triangle shape
Right-click the triangle shape.
A menu will open.
Click on the Add Text icon.
Type an appropriate text inside the triangle shape.
Step #6: Create more shapes
Click on a shape to select it.
Press CTRL+C to copy it.
Press CTRL+V to paste a copy on the page.
Click and drag the copy to reposition it.
Press CTRL+V again to make more copies.
Reposition each shape by clicking and dragging them.
Step #7: Change the text
Right-click a shape.
A drop-down menu appears.
Click on the Edit Text icon.
Change the text inside the shape appropriately.
Repeat for all the shapes.
Step #8: Insert connecting lines
Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Under Lines, click on the Line icon.
The cursor will change to a cross.
Position the cross on the edge on one of the shapes.
Click, and drag your cursor to the edge of the next shape.
Release the button, and you will see the line connecting the two shapes.
Insert more lines as necessary to connect all the shapes.
Step #9:
Insert a conclusion
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Text, click on the Text Box icon.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Under Built-in, click on the Simple Text Box icon.
A text box will appear.
Replace the text inside the box with Y.
Use the handles on the box to change the size and position of the text box.
Right-click the boundary of the text box.
In the menu that opens, click on the Outline icon.
In the menu that opens, click on No Outline.
This will remove the boundary from the text box.
Step #10: Insert more conclusions
Click on the text box to select it.
Press CTRL+C to copy it.
Press CTRL+V to paste a copy on the page.
Click and drag the text box to reposition it.
Press CTRL+V again to make more copies.
Reposition each text box.
Step #11: Change text in the text box
Right-click the boundary of any text box.
A drop-down menu appears.
Click on the Edit Text icon.
Change the text inside the box appropriately.
Or
Double-click on a text box to change the text.
Repeat for all the text boxes.
The decision tree is ready.
Method #2: Decision Tree Using SmartArt
This method uses built-in flow charts from SmartArt to create a decision tree.
Step #1: Open Word Document
Open a Word document.
Navigate to the page where you want the decision tree to appear.
Step #2: Insert a SmartArt
Click on the Insert tab in the main menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the SmartArt icon.
A SmartArt graphic dialog box will appear.
In the left pane, click on the Hierarchy tab.
In the middle pane, click on the Hierarchy icon.
Click on the Ok button at the bottom.
A Hierarchy SmartArt image will appear on the page.
Step #3: Add more shapes
Right-click on a shape.
In the menu that appears, hover the mouse over the Add Shape icon.
Another menu opens on the right side, offering four choices:
- Add Shape After — Add a new shape on the right side of the selected shape.
- Add Shape Before — Add a new shape on the left side of the selected shape.
- Add Shape Above — Add a new shape above the selected shape.
- Add Shape Below — Add a new shape below the selected shape.
Click on the choices to add more shapes appropriately.
Step #4: Change the shapes
Right-click on a shape.
In the menu that appears, hover the mouse over the Change Shape icon.
Another menu opens on the right side.
Under Basic Shapes, click on the Isosceles Triangle icon.
Tip: Hover the mouse over each icon to see their name appear.
The selected shape will change to an isosceles triangle.
Change all the shapes appropriately.
Note: The triangle shapes will be the leaf nodes.
Step #5: Change the text
Click in the empty space between the shapes.
This will select the shapes and open a text box on the left.
Click on the topmost [Text], and replace it with a question.
Repeat for all the [Text] entries in the text box.
Click outside the shapes to deselect and close the text box.
Your decision tree is ready.
Conclusion
We have shown you two methods of creating a decision tree in MS Word. Use the method most suitable to your application.