Convert SmartArt to shapes

SmartArt has its limitations. For instance one cannot remove bullets.

SmartArt can be converted to individual shapes. When you do this you can format the shapes anyway you want.

Why would you do this? There are a number of reasons, one is that you can use the SmartArt as a starting basis and adapt it to give it a personal twist. You can avoid the obvious bullet points. Animation can be applied more effectively.

Take this simple sample of a SmartArt and the desired end result just below. You cannot create that with only SmartArt functions.

Select your SmartArt, under SmartArt tools click the Design tab. In the Reset group click the Convert button and choose Convert to shapes.

Now the Drawing tools appear, select the Format tab, click the Group button in the Arrange group, select Ungroup.

Select the bottom three shapes. Remove the bullets, Home tab, Paragraph group, Bullet button. Apply an indent to the text, Home tab, Paragraph group, dialogstarter button, in the Paragraph dialog apply your indent.

Move the three bottom boxes by using the arrow down key on your keyboard. While these object are still selected, choose one of the handles of a shape and drag to adjust the height.

Draw your arrows and position them between the two rows.