Social Network Analysis Tool
Map relationships and visualize connections in seconds.
Turn complex networks into clear, interactive diagrams. Our Social Network Analysis Tool helps you reveal connections, spot influencers, and communicate relationships without any design experience.
Everything You Need for Social Network Analysis
Purpose-built controls for mapping people, entities, and the relationships between them.
Node & Edge Editor
Add people or entities as nodes, then define directional relationships between them. Build any network structure from simple pairs to complex webs.
Central Root Selection
Choose any node as the center of your diagram to reframe the entire network from a new perspective instantly.
Six Node Shapes
Differentiate node types using circles, squares, rounded rectangles, hexagons, clouds, and more to encode meaning visually.
Zoom & Pan Controls
Navigate large social networks with smooth zoom and pan so every node and connection remains readable.
AI-Powered Generation
Describe your network in plain language and let the AI build the full social network diagram — nodes, edges, and layout — in seconds.
Instant Export
Download your finished social network diagram as a high-quality image ready for reports, presentations, or publications.
Add Your Network Data Your Way
Type Nodes Manually
Add people or entities one by one and define relationships between them using simple dropdowns.
Paste From Spreadsheet
Copy your node and edge list from Excel or Google Sheets and paste it directly into the tool.
Describe With AI
Tell the AI who is connected to whom and it will build the entire social network diagram for you.
Upload Files (Pro)
Import CSV or Excel files with your full node-edge dataset to generate large network maps instantly.
Share Your Network Analysis Everywhere
Download as Image
Export your social network diagram as a high-resolution PNG or SVG for reports, slides, and publications.
Share via Link
Get a shareable link so collaborators, clients, or stakeholders can view the network map instantly.
Embed on Your Site
Add your social network visualization to any website or wiki with a simple embed code.
Present Directly
Use zoom and pan controls to walk your audience through the network live during presentations.
About the MakeCharts Social Network Analysis Tool
MakeCharts is a free online chart maker trusted by researchers, educators, marketers, and business teams worldwide. Our Social Network Analysis Tool is purpose-built to make relationship mapping fast, clear, and accessible — no software installation or design expertise required.
- ✓30+ chart types including social network, org chart, mind map, and more
- ✓AI-powered generation from plain-language descriptions
- ✓Instant export as high-quality PNG or SVG
- ✓Works in 12+ languages across the full interface
- ✓Free core features — no account or credit card required
- ✓Trusted by teams in research, marketing, education, and business
Social Network Analysis at a Glance
How to Create a Social Network Diagram
From raw connections to a polished network map in four simple steps.
Add Your Nodes
Enter the people, organizations, or entities that make up your network. Give each node a clear name and choose a shape that reflects its role.
Add 'Alice', 'Bob', 'Carol' as people; add 'Company A' as a square node.
Define Relationships
Connect nodes by selecting a 'From' and 'To' entity for each relationship. Add as many connections as your network requires.
Alice → Bob (colleague), Alice → Carol (friend), Bob → Company A (works at).
Set Your Center Node
Pick the root node that will anchor the center of your diagram. This frames the network from that entity's point of view.
Set 'Alice' as the root to show all connections radiating from her.
Export and Share
Download your social network diagram as a PNG or SVG, copy a shareable link, or embed it directly in your site.
Download as PNG for a research report or share a link with your team.
Who Uses a Social Network Analysis Tool
From academic research to corporate strategy, social network diagrams reveal what lists and tables hide.
Map Collaboration and Citation Networks
Researchers use social network analysis to visualize co-authorship, citation patterns, and academic influence across disciplines. Identify central scholars and knowledge bridges quickly.
Understand Internal Communication Flows
HR and organizational leaders use network diagrams to spot communication bottlenecks, identify key connectors, and redesign team structures for better collaboration.
Identify Influencers and Brand Advocates
Marketers map social connections to find high-reach influencers, brand advocates, and community clusters — making outreach strategies more targeted and effective.
Visualize Classroom and Peer Networks
Educators map student relationships to identify isolated learners, peer leaders, and group dynamics — enabling more inclusive and effective classroom interventions.
Templates
Start with professionally designed templates
Social Media Content Calendar Network Template
Visualize your entire social media operation — team roles, content types, and platform distribution — in a single, interactive network diagram.
Physical Network Diagram Layout Template
Map every device, connection, and network segment in your infrastructure using this structured physical network diagram template.
Network Topology Template for IT Infrastructure
Instantly visualize your entire network architecture — from core routers and firewalls to servers, workstations, and wireless access points.
View All Templates
Browse the full library to find more templates tailored to your chart.
Social Network Analysis Tool vs. Manual Diagramming
See why teams switch from spreadsheets and drawing tools to a dedicated social network maker.
Spreadsheets & Drawing Tools
- ✗Hours spent positioning nodes and drawing edges by hand
- ✗No dynamic root-node switching — redraw from scratch
- ✗Hard to update when relationships change
- ✗Poor readability with more than 10 nodes
- ✗No AI assistance — every connection entered manually
- ✗Export quality is inconsistent across tools
MakeCharts Social Network Tool
- ✓Auto-layout places nodes and edges for maximum clarity
- ✓Switch the root node instantly to reframe the diagram
- ✓Update relationships in seconds — diagram refreshes live
- ✓Zoom and pan keeps large networks readable
- ✓AI generates full network diagrams from a text description
- ✓Export crisp PNG or SVG images every time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social network analysis tool?
A social network analysis tool lets you map and visualize relationships between people, groups, or entities as a node-edge diagram. It reveals who is connected to whom, how influence flows, and which nodes are most central to the network. MakeCharts makes this accessible without any programming or specialized software.
How do I create a social network diagram for free?
Open the MakeCharts Social Network Analysis Tool, add your people or entities as nodes, define the relationships between them, and the diagram updates live. No account is required. Download your finished diagram as a PNG at no cost.
Can I use this as a social network graph maker for large datasets?
Yes. The tool supports zoom and pan for navigating complex networks. Pro users can upload CSV or Excel files to generate large social network graphs from hundreds of nodes and edges without manual entry.
What is the difference between a social network diagram and an org chart?
An org chart shows a strict top-down hierarchy — typically reporting lines in a company. A social network diagram is more flexible: any node can connect to any other, and relationships can run in any direction. Social networks capture informal connections, peer relationships, and multi-directional influence that org charts cannot.
Can I choose which person is at the center of the diagram?
Yes. The root node selector lets you place any person or entity at the center of the social network diagram. Switching the root instantly redraws the diagram from that entity's perspective — useful for comparing how different people experience the same network.
Built for Everyone Who Needs to Map Connections
- ✓No design or programming skills required — anyone can build a network diagram
- ✓Works in 12+ languages so global teams can collaborate without barriers
- ✓Fully responsive — create and view diagrams on desktop, tablet, or mobile
- ✓Simple enough for students, powerful enough for researchers and analysts
- ✓Free plan covers core social network diagramming with no sign-up needed
- ✓Upgrade only when you need advanced features like file upload or more AI credits
Your Network Data Stays Yours
- •Your node and relationship data is used only to render your diagram
- •We do not sell or share your data with third parties
- •You control which diagrams are shared via link and which stay private
- •Delete your account and all associated data at any time
- •No tracking of your diagram content for advertising purposes
Start Mapping Your Network Now
Build your first social network diagram in under two minutes — free, no sign-up needed.