Flowchart Symbols & Meanings: A Guide with Examples (2024)

Flowchart

flowchart • [ˈflō ˌCHärt]

A powerful tool for visualizing and optimizing the flow of people, objects, data or information through a system or process.

noun

"Let's put together a flowchart of our online store and see how we can optimize the user journey"

Synonyms

  • flow diagram
  • flow sheet
  • schema
  • schema chart
  • diagram
  • structure
  • step by step structure
  • planner
  • user flow
  • process diagram

Start creating flowcharts for free

Use the flowchart symbols guide alongside our Diagram Maker to build out flow diagrams that improve UX, workflows, processes and more.

Flowchart Symbols & Meanings: A Guide with Examples (1)

In less than an hour with Slickplan I was able to accomplish more in communicating my needs for a new website than my web designers were able to communicate in several weeks. Thanks!

Dan Walter, President and CEO at Performensation

Create an account

Already have an account

Flowchart Symbols & Meanings: A Guide with Examples (2024)

FAQs

Flowchart Symbols & Meanings: A Guide with Examples? ›

The oval, rectangle, diamond, parallelogram and arrow are the basic process flowchart symbols. The oval represents the start and end. The rectangle represents any step in the process, like tasks or actions. The diamond symbol indicates a decision.

What are the 7 symbols used in flowcharts and how do you use them? ›

The oval, rectangle, diamond, parallelogram and arrow are the basic process flowchart symbols. The oval represents the start and end. The rectangle represents any step in the process, like tasks or actions. The diamond symbol indicates a decision.

What is a flow chart with an example? ›

A flowchart can also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm, a step-by-step approach to solving a task. A simple flowchart representing a process for dealing with a non-functioning lamp. The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows.

What is flowchart draw and label symbols used in flowchart with examples? ›

A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps. It shows steps in sequential order and is widely used in presenting the flow of algorithms, workflow or processes. Typically, a flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.

How to read flowchart symbols? ›

Here are some common flowchart symbols:
  1. Oval:Represents the start or end of a process.
  2. Rectangle:Represents a process or activity.
  3. Diamond:Indicates a decision point where the flowchart diverges based on a condition.
  4. Parallelogram:Represents input or output, such as data or materials.
Sep 17, 2023

How do you explain your flowchart? ›

A flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order. It is a generic tool that can be adapted for a wide variety of purposes, and can be used to describe various processes, such as a manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, or a project plan.

How do you explain a flow chart? ›

A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a process, system or computer algorithm. They are widely used in multiple fields to document, study, plan, improve and communicate often complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams.

How to represent a decision using flowchart illustrate with an example? ›

The decision shape is represented as a Diamond. This object is always used in a process flow to ask a question. And, the answer to the question determines the arrows coming out of the Diamond. This shape is quite unique with two arrows coming out of it.

What does a broken line in a flowchart mean? ›

A dashed line represents alternate paths or an alternate process.

What is the trigger symbol in a flowchart? ›

Every flowchart should start with a trigger. These are often written as a verb-noun phrase, e.g., "Submit expense report" within the starting terminal symbol. The flowchart should have a defined end, and because of the possibility of multiple decision points, it may have multiple ends.

What is the symbol of decision? ›

Expert-Verified Answer. The Diamond symbol is used to represent decisions in the flowchart. The ability to choose is represented by a diamond. This item should never be used to pose a query in a process flow.

What is the diamond symbol in a flowchart? ›

Answer. Explanation: Diamond – Used to represent a decision point in the process. Typically, the statement in the symbol will require a `yes' or `no' response and branch to different parts of the flowchart accordingly.

What is the diamond in a flowchart? ›

Diamonds are used to designate a decision point or question that affects the flow. A rectangle with a wave on the bottom indicates a physical document is produced at that point in the flow.

How to use connectors in a flowchart? ›

Use connectors to show the relationships between shapes in flowcharts, organization charts, and other diagrams. Go to View, and make sure AutoConnect is selected. Point to a shape, and point to the arrow that indicates the direction of the next shape you want to add.

Why is it important to use the standard symbols when designing a flowchart? ›

These symbols help in creating a visual representation of a process, making it easier to understand and analyze. Here are some common flowchart symbols and their explanations: Start/End Symbol (Oval or Rounded Rectangle):Explanation: Represents the beginning or end of a process or workflow.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Last Updated:

Views: 6593

Rating: 5 / 5 (50 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dr. Pierre Goyette

Birthday: 1998-01-29

Address: Apt. 611 3357 Yong Plain, West Audra, IL 70053

Phone: +5819954278378

Job: Construction Director

Hobby: Embroidery, Creative writing, Shopping, Driving, Stand-up comedy, Coffee roasting, Scrapbooking

Introduction: My name is Dr. Pierre Goyette, I am a enchanting, powerful, jolly, rich, graceful, colorful, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.