How to create bubble diagram in PowerPoint 2013 (for architects)

Powerpoint provides us with many possible shapes to create and many smart shapes too. We can utilize the smart shapes and customize those to our needs. the following method provides architects with an easy method of creating a bubble diagram for their pre-design stage.

This method is very interactive and useful because you can add multiple bubbles that prefer not to overlap and the text automatically changes the size while the shapes and connectors adjust themselves.

Bubble Diagram

Create a blank page and go to insert tab.

Horizontal Hierarchy

Click on smart shapes and the select "Horizontal Hierarchy" shape from the "Hierarchy" list
You'll page will be filled with the following shapes

Horizontal Hierarchy
Click on each of the shapes and right-click for the context menu. Select change shape > oval.
Then change the oval shape into a circle by dragging the corners of the shape, like the image below

Bubble diagram
If you want to add more bubbles, click on any of the shapes(circle or line) and right click to see add shapes option.

Add bubbles

P.S.- I would recommend you to continue to the following step only if you're confident about the size and placement of the shapes

Once you're done, you can right-click inside the smart object(not on the shapes) to select "convert to shapes". This will convert the smart shape into shapes and group them

Convert to shapes

P.S. - before ungrouping the smart object, it's better to have a duplicate in case you want to go back to the smart shape
Ungroup the shapes by right click > group > ungroup.
Now if you want to add more lines linking to bubbles, you can add using the line shape tool.

Add new lines
Finally, you can change the thickness of the line from the format shape windows that pops up when you right-click on the line > format shape.

Thick lines

P.S. - Unfortunately, after changing the smart art to shapes, they become a custom shape from the standard powerpoint shapes. This makes it difficult to add more points on the shape(for connectors) while retaining the original shape format.

Adding multiple points for connector lines

To get a circle with multiple connector points(more than 8), you can follow the process given rich007.

Insert a 32-point Star.
Slide the yellow adjustment handle so that the "height" of the star-points is zero, forming a circle or oval.
Try to connect a line connector to the shape... only 4 connectors available.
Right-click on the shape > Edit Points.
Right-click on any one of the star's points and change it from Corner Point to Smooth Point.
Try to connect a line connector to the shape... there are now 64 points to choose from!

P.S.: You can change the color of the shape to your need or include gradient, picture, texture, pattern or slide background like following.

Shape fill types

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