A big part of project management is identifying problems and their causes. A good fishbone diagram template in Word or PPT helps you do just that in a group setting. This deep dive helps you learn from the past and avoid the same issues in the future.
Project Action Plan, add a blank fishbone diagram to a premium template like this from Envato Elements.
Reassure your clients that they're in good hands and that you're someone who doesn't sweep issues under the rug after a project. You address them head-on, find the causes, and take necessary steps to avoid them in the future. Use a cause and effect diagram template to do this professionally and effortlessly.
Print and distribute a blank fishbone diagram to all attendees of your meeting. This way, they can fill it up on their own during the brainstorming session. Once a final chart is agreed upon, include it in the meeting minutes, case study, action plan, or future project planning documents.
This article explores the best premium MS Word templates from Envato Elements. Edit and add a premium diagram from our fishbone diagram PPT collection so you'll have the same chart on your presentation and document handouts. Finally, we'll check out 20 free editable fishbone diagram templates found online.
Find the Best Fishbone Diagram Template Word on Envato Elements for 2022 (Unlimited Use)
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3 Best Premium Fishbone Diagram Template Word for 2022 (Envato Elements)
Edit and use the best fishbone diagram for PPT templates in your MS Word documents. Add a fishbone diagram to any of these best Microsoft Word templates below to impress your audience during your next meeting:
A case study template like this helps you list all essential details about a past project. Include the best fishbone diagram to analyze the past chain of events that caused a particular outcome. This helps you better plan for future projects.
This is a 20-page professional case study template. There's nothing like ending a past campaign with a thorough analysis. Analyze your past campaign and show your client that you're well prepared for the next one by including the best fishbone diagram.
Here's a clean and professional meeting minutes template in MS Word. Include a fishbone chart if it was part of the discussion during the last meeting. A meeting minute is a great way to document findings, keep absentees up-to-date, and work through projects professionally.
20 Top Free MS Word Editable Fishbone Diagram Template Examples to Download (2022)
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Let's explore 20 free fishbone diagram templates in Microsoft Word that are available to download by anyone from the internet:
This is a seven-page document. There are three different Ishikawa diagrams in it.
This 84-page document comes with a blank fishbone diagram. The main sections to explore are environment, methods, people, and materials as causes. You can map out the effects of these causes or create your causes.
This is a blank fishbone diagram only download. It's a PDF file but open it in MS Word to edit.
This isn't a blank fishbone diagram but is more of an example. It's by a public health institute that worked on a health alert network project.
This is a simple editable fishbone diagram template. The causes are in green rectangles, and the effect is in a blue triangle.
The arrow on this diagram is a lot thicker than other diagrams. It creates a nice design element for a simple diagram like this.
List up to 18 causes under six categories that play a part in an effect. This Free Fish Bone Diagram Template comes in PDF but is editable in MS Word.
This template comes with directions for facilitators. This direction intends to help a group of people can fill up this diagram together.
This cause and effect diagram is created with eight causes under three categories. It's simple, clean, and gets the job done.
This is a diagram in MS Excel. You can easily edit this diagram in Excel and copy-paste it onto any of your MS Word documents.
There's an illustration of a fish skeleton. There's a design element on the top and bottom of the page to look like water.
The main part of this diagram is in yellow. The causes are in blue, and the cause categories are in gray.
There's an illustration of a smiling fish, and it's facing left. (Most of these cause and effect diagrams face right.)
Each main category in this diagram has a different color; yellow, green, blue, purple, and red. This makes it easier to draw attention to each category.
This is a blue diagram on a black background. Each category has an icon to represent it.
Orange and green are the primary colors of this template. The effect goes in an orange circle on the far right. Space to enter causes is minimal, so only single words fit.
This straightforward diagram works well if you need to do a basic cause and effect analysis in a class with children.
You can download this template in a doc or PDF format. Examine what's the root causes of a problem with this diagram.
This document is a 17 pages to walk you through how to get to the root of a problem. There's also a diagram, but it's not editable.
There are three pages in this document. It's a form to list out factors, action plans and even has sample trigger questions.
How to Create a Fishbone Diagram in a Word Template
There are two methods to add a fishbone diagram to a Word template. The first method is to draw the diagram. I’ll use the Project Proposal premium template from Envato Elements in this tutorial.
Let's get started:
1. Choose the Page
Page 2 has a big enough area that you can add a fishbone diagram. Let’s get rid of the text and textbox.
First, select the text. You can select the text by highlighting it. After you’ve highlighted the text, press the Delete button on the keyboard. Get rid of the textbox by pressing the Delete button on the keyboard again. Repeat these steps until you have a blank page.
2. Draw the Arrows
There are arrows that are a part of the fishbone diagram. Let’s start with the middle line. Next, click on the Insert tab above the toolbar.
Next, click on the Shapes button in the toolbar. When you click on this button, a menu appears. In the menu, there's a Lines section. Choose the second option. Finally, click where you want the arrow to start and end.
3. Adjust the Arrows
The arrows are small. So, if you want to make them thicker, you can.
To change the line thickness, click on the Shape Format tab. In the toolbar, there's a Format Pane button. Click on it. When you click this button, a pane opens on the right side of the window. You’ll see a Width field. Click on the arrows until you find your desired width.
Next, in the format pane, there's a Color field. In this field, there's an Outline Color button. When you click on this button, a color menu drops down. Choose the color you want.
4. Draw the Boxes
Typically, a fishbone diagram has boxes. Creating a box is similar to creating an arrow. First, click on the Insert tab. Next, click on the Shapes button. In the menu, there's the Rectangles section. Choose the first option in that section. Next, draw the box at the end of the arrows. Repeat this until there are enough boxes.
The boxes are filled in. To change this, click on the box. Next, click on the Shape Format tab. Under this tab, click on the Format Pane button.
In the Color field, click on the Outline Color button from the menu and choose the black option. Next, click on the Fill section at the top of the format pane on the Fill & Line tab. In the Color field of the fill section, click on the Fill Color button. When you click on this button, a menu drops down. Choose the color white from that menu.
Now your box will look like a box. Repeat this step for every box that you need.
5. Add Text Boxes to the Boxes
Now you’ll need text boxes inside the boxes you created. Click the Insert tab. In the toolbar, click on the Text Box button. Draw a diagonal line with you mouse inside the box to create a text box. Next, click inside the text box you drew. Now you can type your text.
How to Take a Fishbone Diagram from PowerPoint and Add It to Word
The second method takes a fishbone diagram from a PowerPoint template and add an image from it to your Word template. The premium PowerPoint template used in the tutorial is the Fishbone & Ishikawa diagram.
Let's get started:
1. Add a Blank Page to Your Word Document
You need to start with a blank page. You can easily add a new page to your template. So, scroll to where you want the new page. Next, click on the Insert tab. Then, in the toolbar, you’ll see a Blank Page button on the left side of the toolbar. A new blank page appears.
2. Copy the Fish Diagram
In PowerPoint, open your premium template and click on the slide with a fishbone diagram. It’s selected when an orange box appears around the slide—next, press Command + C on your keyboard.
Next open Microsoft Word to the blank page that you added. Click on the blank page. Press Command + V. Now, you have a fishbone diagram on your blank page.
Your fishbone diagram from PowerPoint is now part of your Word document.
5 Quick Tips to Make Great Fishbone Diagrams in Word 2022
Here are five quick tips to help you create a professional fishbone diagram:
1. Use Colors Wisely
Fishbone and Ishikawa Diagram, a premium diagram from Envato' fishbone diagram collection in PPT.
If you need to show categories or grouping clearly, use colors. A different color for each group immediately shows separation from the next. It also makes it easier for your audience to focus on a category during the discussion.
2. Add Text Space
Most fishbone diagrams allow you to only write down one to two words. It's not made for sentences. Allocate some space on the page for people to write more about each cause or general notes.
3. Have It Projected on a Big Screen
Do you need this blank fishbone diagram for a brainstorming session? Start by creating your PPT presentation and include that same fishbone diagram into your MS Word document. This helps ensure all fishbone diagrams are the same.
As you discuss and agree on causes, you can update the slide, and everyone can see it immediately. It's a step to ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Distribute the Confirmed Fishbone Diagram to Everyone
After your brainstorming session, distribute the results of your analysis and final fishbone diagram to all stakeholders. This can be done as part of a case study, meeting minutes, future project plan or even a quick email. Finding the root causes of problems can hopefully help avoid the same problem in the future.
5. What's Next?
Take action immediately! Accompany your diagram with an action plan template like this
It's important to act immediately on matters that need fixing. Accompany your Ishikawa diagram with an action plan document. Either coming up with a plan or being prepared to discuss it right after a root cause analysis shows efficiency on your part.
Discover More Top Microsoft Word Template Designs
There are loads of other business MS Word templates that you may find helpful. Browse through premium and free options before you take your pick. Here are three articles to get you going:
Common Fishbone Diagram Questions Answered (FAQ)
Here are some common fishbone diagram and Microsoft Word questions and answers:
1. What Is a Fishbone Template?
A fishbone diagram or sometimes called the Ishikawa diagram. It's a cause-and-effect diagram. With this diagram, you can visually analyze cause and effect analysis while encouraging brainstorming.
To learn more about the fishbone diagram, read this article:
2. Can I Change an InDesign Template to a Word template?
Yes. You've got more template options when you can change an InDesign template into Word. You can also use a program that you prefer.
For a tutorial on how to convert an InDesign template into a Word template study:
3. Is It Possible to Create a Table in Microsoft Word?
Yes. Tables are a great way to present data. So, knowing how to create a table in Microsoft Word can be helpful. Read this in-depth tutorial on how to create a table in Microsoft Word:
4. I Like Google Docs. Can I Use a Microsoft Word in Google Docs?
You can. It’s easy to add a Microsoft Word template to Google Docs. First, make sure you've got a Google account and have picked out a Microsoft Word template to use. Here’s an excellent tutorial on how to use a Microsoft Word template in Google Docs:
5. Can I Use Borders in MS Word?
Borders are a great option. They're a great way to add a design element that won’t distract the reader. For more information on how to create a border in Microsoft Word, review this tutorial:
Learn More About Making Great Word Documents in 2022
Are you trying to improve your MS Word skill level by trying new techniques for each project you're working on? Pin this Beginner's Tutorial Guide to Microsoft Word as a favorite on your browser. It'll soon become your go-to reference guide to Microsoft Word.
This growing compilation of how-to tutorials is a great reference that'll save you from spending too much time on web searches. Here are three examples of tutorials you can find in it:
Get a Premium Fishbone Diagram Template Word Today!
There are plenty of free Ishikawa diagrams found online that anyone can download and use. The fact that it's accessible to anyone takes away the uniqueness of your work when you use a free diagram. These free files also come as a stand-alone and aren't part of a larger professional document.
Suppose you need a fishbone diagram to be part of a document like a case study, meeting minute, action plan, or project plan. In this case, select and edit a fishbone diagram from Envato's premium PPT collection. Copy and paste the diagram into any best Microsoft Word template from Envato Elements.
Get your premium Microsoft Word template and fishbone diagram from Envato Elements today! Subscribe and download one now!
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Sarah Joy. Sarah is a freelance instructor for Envato Tuts+.
