We earn commission when you buy through affiliate links.
This does not influence our reviews or recommendations.Learn more.
Your business or academic teams mostly use a flowchart to visualize complex processes in an easy-to-understand layout.
However, all the flowchart makers face a common challenge when implementing several symbols of flowcharts.
Your flowcharts will not be of professional grade if you do not use standardized symbols.
Also, you will learn the basics of it, like its definition and the working process.
Without any delay, read on!
What Is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a visual diagram that shows a system, business workflow, computer algorithm, or process.
An interesting fact about flowcharts is they are common between non-technical and technical domains.
For instance, a visual artist and a software developer can use flowcharts to plan their projects.
It looks like a pill or oval-shaped button.
Often, you will find Start and End written inside the terminator shape.
This shape also depicts the outcome of a flowchart sequence.
If you are drawing a complex flowchart, there could be multiple Start and End symbols.
Input/Output
The data input and output symbol is essentially a parallelogram.
You must use this symbol to represent data entering and leaving the system.
Sometimes, you’ve got the option to use Yes/No, and True/False for writing computer algorithms.
it’s possible for you to use any trapezoid for this.
When you use solid lines, it means data flowing from one symbol to another.
If you use dashed lines, it is an alternative to another pathway.
Action/Process
A rectangle represents every action or process within a flowchart.
You may use different fill colors to organize different processes into sub-groups.
Decision
The decision symbol is a diamond-shaped button on the flowchart.
It means a different process flowline will become active when you change the decision.
Decisions could be Yes/No and True/False if it is an algorithm.
Mostly, there will be questions that you’re gonna wanna answer to reach a decision.
Document
The document symbol is more like a rectangle with a wavy curve on one side.
It is another I/O symbol of flowcharting.
Multiple Documents
This is similar to the above flowchart symbol named Document.
you might use this symbol in places where you need multiple document inputs.
Alternatively, if any process generates many documents, you might use this symbol.
It is a simple circle.
It is also popular as an on-page connector since it connects symbols and sequences from one page.
To connect symbols or sequences from different pages, you could use the isosceles right angle pentagon.
It is otherwise known as the link symbol.
When introducing a setup step before continuing with the workflow, you must use this hexagon symbol.
Subroutine
The symbol for a predefined process or subroutine looks like a rectangle.
you’re able to use it to signify a procedure that is documented completely in another flowchart.
The Delay symbol is a half-oval symbol.
Storages
For the flowchart, there are two storage-related symbols.
However, the internal storage symbol looks like a square and is mostly used in software development flowcharts.
It means data getting stored in memory during programming.
Database
It resembles the magnetic disk shape, which is globally recognized as a database symbol.
Now that you have learned flowchart trending symbols, find below how this visual charting concept works.
How Does a Flowchart Work?
A flowchart works by visualizing any process on a 2-dimensional canvas, whether on paper or digital.
The chart usually starts with a Start symbol.
If the flowchart defines one process, then it is a simple flowchart.
However, most real-world flowcharts businesses use are complex because there are many interconnected sequences before the final decision.
This is just an oversimplified explanation of a flowcharts working principle.
There are more concepts and logic in play.
Also, the flowchart organizes all the materials and resources your team will use once the project begins.
Flowcharting is essentially translating process steps in visual queues.
After the first draft, your team can sit for another meeting to improvise the entire flowchart.
In this phase, you will also discover any unknown bottlenecks of the project.
Finally, it communicates your plan concisely and visually to the audience.
Manual flowcharting is a challenging task.
It will delay your project.
It is smart to use any online tools for flowchart making.
Most of these tools come with all the flowchart symbols you might need.
#2.Creately
When it comes to visualizing processes and workflows, Creately is a reliable option.
It has features like automatic drawing and a drag-and-drop interface for quick flowchart creation.
you might choose from its 1000+ custom templates to start your project.
Moreover, You get video conferencing & live mouse tracking for real-time collaboration.
More on Flowchart and Diagrams
