Flow Chart Symbol Key

Whether you re trying to read a flowchart or creating a flowchart knowing the most common symbols and flowchart conventions is going to make it a lot easier.

Flow chart symbol key. Most flowcharts should be built using only the start end and action or process symbols and should follow a very basic set of best practices. Don t be intimidated by the wide array of flowchart shapes. With this list you can figure out the most commonly used flowchart symbols as well as those that are little known. Optionally you can then hyperlink this shape to the other flowchart.

Each symbol has a specific meaning and context where its use is appropriate. If you get confused while drawing your flow chart remember that most charts can be drawn with just a few common symbols which are listed below. Flow lines into an alternate process flow step are typically dashed. Standard flowchart symbols flowcharts use special shapes to represent different types of actions or steps in a process.

Five basic flowchart symbols. Flowchart key over the years other shapes have been used in flowcharting but they have not been popular. Flowchart symbols and their usage. The table below lists the flowchart symbol drawing the name of the flowchart symbol in microsoft office with aliases in parentheses and a short description of where and how the flowchart symbol is used.

4 basic flowchart symbols. Delay shapes are common in process mapping. If you keep to the four basic flowchart shapes listed first you will spend less time teaching new people what each shape means. See how to use these basic flowchart symbols instantly.

This shape represents data stored and is used mainly in computer programming flowcharts. Flowchart symbols and meaning provides a visual representation of basic flowchart symbols and their proposed use in professional workflow diagram standard process flow diagram and communicating the structure of a well developed web site as well as their correlation in developing on line instructional projects. The delay flowchart symbol depicts any waiting period that is part of a process. Lines and arrows show the sequence of these steps and the relationships between them.

Process operation symbols. There are a large number of shapes used in drawing flowcharts and process flows. Sticking with these two primary flowchart symbols is the best way to ensure that your diagram will be easy to understand. The predefined process shape is also known as a subroutine and typically is used to simplify complex flowcharts by moving a large part of the flowchart to another flowchart.

Here we ve got the four flowcharting symbols you ve got to know plus a rundown on some more intermediate process symbols if you re looking for extra credit. Symbols also commonly called flowchart shapes flow diagram symbols or process mapping symbols depending upon what type of diagram you re creating. If more than the most basic flowchart symbols appear in your diagram it is good practice to include a legend or symbol key.