Flowchart Basics
Basic Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart
Knowing the most common flowchart symbols and conventions will make it a lot easier, whether you're trying to read a flowchart or create a flowchart. Here, we’ve got the four flowchart symbols you’ve got to know, plus a rundown on some more intermediate process symbols if you’re looking for extra credit.
1. The Oval
An End or Beginning While Creating a Flowchart
The oval, or terminator, is used to represent the start and end of a process.
2. The Rectangle
A Step in the Flowcharting Process
The rectangle is your go-to symbol once you’ve started flowcharting. It represents any step in the process you’re diagramming and is the workhorse of the flowchart diagram. Use rectangles to capture process steps like basic tasks or actions in your process.
3. The Arrow
Indicate Directional Flow
The arrow is used to guide the viewer along their flowcharting path. While there are many different types of arrow tips to choose from, we recommend sticking with one or two for your entire flowchart. This keeps your diagram looking clean, but also allows you to emphasize certain steps in your process.
4. The Diamond
Indicate a Decision
The diamond symbolizes that a decision is required to move forward. This could be a binary, this-or-that choice or a more complex decision with multiple choices. Make sure that you capture each possible choice within your diagram.
With those four basic symbols, you likely have everything you need to get started on your own flowchart!
Intermediate & Advanced Flowchart Symbols
Flowcharts comprise a sequence of actions, data, services, and/or materials. They illustrate where data is input and output, where information is being stored, what decisions must be made, and which people must be involved. In addition the basic flowchart conventions, rules, and symbols, these intermediate flowchart symbols will help you describe your process with even more detail.
Document Symbols
Single and multiple document icons show that there are additional points of reference involved in your flowchart. You might use these to indicate items like “create an invoice” or “review testing paperwork.”
Data Symbols
Data symbols clarify where the data your flowchart references is being stored.
Input & Output Symbols
Input and output symbols show where and how data is coming in and out throughout your process.
Merging & Connecting Symbols
Agreed-upon merging and connector symbols make connecting flowcharts that span multiple pages easier.
Additional Useful Flowchart Symbols
The above are a few additional symbols that prove your flowcharting prowess when put to good use.
