Misunderstanding flowchart symbols are certainly something that could leave you in a quandary. The basic flowchart symbols are diamonds and rectangles. However, there are much more symbols you can use to add more meaning to your flowchart.
While there is no strict protocol as such when it comes to using boxes, circles, diamonds or such symbols in drawing a flowchart, they do help you to illustrate and make sense of the types of events in the chart with more clarity. Described below are standard symbols along with a visual representation right below.
1. Data object – The Data object, often referred to as the I/O Shape shows the Inputs to and Outputs from a process.
2. Rectangle – This is used to represent an event which is controlled within the process. Typically this will be a step or action which is taken.
3. 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.
4. Document – The Document object is a rectangle with a wave-like base. This shape is used to represent a Document or Report in a process flow.
5. Rounded box – This is used to represent an event which occurs automatically. Such an event will trigger a subsequent action, for example, receive a telephone call, or describe a new state of affairs.
6. Stored data – This is a general data storage object used in the process flow as opposed to data which could be also stored on a hard drive, magnetic tape, memory card, of any other storage device.
7. Manual input – This object is represented by a rectangle with the top sloping up from left to right. The Manual Input object signifies an action where the user is prompted for information that must be manually inputted into a system.
8. Direct data – Direct data object in a process flow represents information stored which can be accessed directly. This object represents a computer’s hard drive.
9. Circle – Used to represent a point at which the flowchart connects with another process. The name or reference for the other process should appear within the symbol.
10. Internal storage – This is an object which is commonly found in programming flowcharts to illustrate the information stored in memory, as opposed to on a file.
11. Predefined process – This allows you to write one subroutine and call it as often as you like from anywhere in the code.
What is the Use of a Flowchart?
Flowcharts are probably the most popular diagram type in the world. So it pays to know how to read a flowchart. You can use them to
• Improve your processes by identifying bottlenecks and defects
• Communicate/explain a process to someone
• Easily visualize complex processes
Since we know most of you like to draw them we took an extra effort to make creating flowcharts as easy as possible. Our flowchart software has some powerful features like create and connect which makes drawing them a breeze. Plus we have some professionally designed templates for you to get started fast.
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