Free Seating Chart Generator

Back of Classroom
Teacher's Desk
Front of Classroom

Settings

Layout Setup

Student Lists

  PRO TIP: use "Add List" button below if you use the Mix Lists arrangement method and you need to create well-balanced seating arrangement for people from different lists.

Click here to learn more about this feature.

For example, if you have several students who are experts at something, and you want them to sit in such an order that the rest of the students have equal or comparable opportunites to interact with them as neighbours, you can create two lists: one for the experts, second for the rest of the students. Then, when seating arrangements are being generated, the application will try to do it in the most optimal way regarding this requirement.

You can add unlimited number of lists.

Note: this logic is applicable only to the Mix Lists arrangement method. For other methods, such as Random Order, Alphabetical Order, and Input Order, all students from all lists will be combined by the application into one list during seating arrangement generation.

Arrangement Method

Special Seating Rules

  PRO TIP: with these rules, for the Random Order arrangement method, you can request that some students be placed far from each other, next to each other, in the first row, or in the last row. You can combine multiple types of rules.

Teacher Area

Display Settings

The Seating Chart Generator (or Seating Chart Builder) is a classroom management tool designed to make classroom seating arrangements with precision and flexibility. This web-based application combines automated arrangement capabilities with manual adjustment features, allowing educators to create optimal seating plans that address various needs.

The application has four arrangement methods: random, alphabetical, input order, and mix lists, each serving different educational objectives. They are complemented by an advanced rule system that allows teachers to specify special seating requirements, such as placing certain students in the front row or ensuring specific students are seated apart or together. The system intelligently applies these rules in order of priority, so that critical seating requirements have the best change to be met while maintaining overall classroom balance.

Additionally, this seating chart maker has an interactive drag-and-drop interface that allows for precise manual adjustments after automatic generation.

How to Use this Seating Chart Builder

Layout Configuration

Begin by setting up your classroom layout using the configuration tools. Each row can be customized independently to match your classroom's exact arrangement:

  • Row Management. Add or remove rows as necessary. Each row can have any number of seats, allowing you to create asymmetrical arrangements that match your actual classroom layout.
  • Teacher's Area. Customize the teacher's desk position (left, center, right) and label. You can also hide the teacher's area completely.
  • Visual Customization. Adjust the background color, toggle seat colors for visual distinction, and choose whether to display seat numbers and borders.

Student Distribution Methods

This seating chart maker has four methods for arranging students:

  • Random Order. This one is used the most frequently. It creates completely randomized seating arrangements while respecting any special rules you've set (see more about special rules below). This is an optimal choice for promoting new interactions and maintaining classroom engagement.
  • Alphabetical Order. Arranges students alphabetically from left to right, front to back. This traditional approach makes it easier to locate students quickly and works well for formal assessment situations.
  • Input Order. Maintains the exact order in which students are listed in your input fields. This is particularly useful when you have a specific sequence in mind or when working with pre-organized groups.
  • Mix Lists. This advanced feature optimally distributes students from different input lists throughout the classroom. It's especially valuable when you want to ensure even distribution of students with different characteristics (such as skill levels, learning styles, or other attributes).

Special Seating Rules System

The application implements a sophisticated rule system for the Random Order arrangement method, with rules applied in the following priority order:

  • First Row Placement. Highest priority rule that places specified students in the front third of the classroom, starting from the first row. Especially useful for students who need closer proximity to the board or teacher.
  • Last Row Placement. Second priority rule that places designated students in the back third of the room, starting from the last row. Useful for taller students or specific classroom management strategies.
  • Distance Requirements. Third priority rule that keeps specified students at least two seats apart from each other, if possible. Effective for managing classroom dynamics and minimizing distractions.
  • Adjacent Placement. Fourth priority rule that attempts to place specified students next to each other (horizontally or vertically adjacent). Suitable for peer support arrangements or collaborative learning pairs.

Drag and Drop Functionality

After generating a seating chart, you can fine-tune it using the intuitive drag-and-drop interface:

  • click and hold any student name to drag it to a new position;
  • seating chart maker automatically updates all row and seat numbers in real time as you change student's position;
  • the system maintains visual feedback during dragging and ensures smooth transitions;
  • all movements are constrained within the seating area to prevent accidental misplacements.

Export Options

  • Generate PDF files with professionally formatted seating charts.
  • Export to Excel for detailed record-keeping and administrative purposes.
  • Print the chart on paper.

Pro Tips

  • When using special rules, start with the most critical placements (First Row, Last Row), as these take precedence over other rules.
  • For complex seating arrangements, use multiple student lists and the Mix Lists method to ensure optimal distribution.
  • Take advantage of the drag-and-drop feature for final adjustments after applying automatic arrangements.
  • Export to Excel regularly to maintain a record of different seating arrangements throughout the term.
  • Use different background colors to create distinct arrangements for different class periods or activities.
  • Since the application automatically saves your current configuration and arrangement in the browser on your device, you can return to your work even after closing the browser. If you need to remove all such data, simply use the Load Default Settings button.