The four letters, in plain words
A RACI chart is a grid that shows, for each task, who does the work (R), who approves it (A), who is asked for input (C) and who is kept informed (I): for example, on a website the designer is R for the mock-ups, the client lead is A, the copywriter is C and the developer is I.
Each cell holds one letter, or nothing. Click a cell to move through the letters.
- R: Responsible
- Does the work. A task can have more than one R, but each one should know which part is theirs.
- A: Approver
- Gives the final yes and owns the outcome. One per task: two approvers usually means nobody decides.
- C: Consulted
- Asked for input before the work is done or approved. Their views are heard, but they do not sign it off.
- I: Informed
- Told when the task is done or decided. No input expected, so keep this list honest and short.
- Row
- One task or deliverable, such as page copy or the launch go-ahead. Name it so anyone can tell when it is finished.
- Column
- One person or role. Roles (designer, client lead) keep the chart useful when people change.
An example website project chart
This is the example website chart the builder starts from. Each row has exactly one approver; a dot means that person has no part in the task.
| Example: website project | Client lead | Project manager | Designer | Developer | Copywriter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goals and brief | A | R | C | C | C |
| Sitemap and page list | A | R | C | C | C |
| Design mock-ups | A | C | R | I | C |
| Page copy | A | C | C | I | R |
| Build and content entry | I | A | R | R | C |
| Testing on phone, tablet, desktop | I | A | C | R | I |
| Launch go-ahead | A | R | I | I | I |
Common ways a RACI chart goes wrong
Two approvers on one task
It feels polite to let two people approve, but it doubles the rounds when they disagree. The builder warns you when a row has more than one A, or none.
Everyone consulted on everything
A column full of Cs means every decision waits for that person. Move them to I wherever their input is not really needed.
The chart nobody reads
Share the chart at kick-off and put it where feedback happens. A chart in a forgotten folder does not stop a late surprise from a senior stakeholder.
Tasks that are too big
A single row called "Website" hides who approves design, copy and launch. Split rows until each one has a clear finish line.
Names change, roles stay
If your client contact leaves, a role-based chart still works. Add names next to roles in your own copy if you need them.
Questions about RACI charts for client work
Can a task have more than one approver?
It can, but it rarely works well. One person should own the final yes. If two people really must agree, make one the approver and the other consulted.
Can the same person be responsible and approver?
On small teams, yes: a freelancer often does the work and approves internal steps. Each cell still holds one letter, so pick the one that matters most for that task.
Should the client be on the RACI chart?
Yes. In client work the most useful thing the chart does is show which client person approves each deliverable, and which ones are only kept informed.
How do I export the chart?
Download a CSV file to open in a spreadsheet, a PNG image to drop into a proposal or slide, or copy it as tab-separated text that pastes straight into a table.
What is the difference between consulted and informed?
Consulted people are asked before a decision and their input can change it. Informed people are told afterwards. The difference is who you wait for.
Is my chart saved or sent anywhere?
No. The chart lives in this page in your browser. Download or copy it before you close the tab.