Flowchart Shapes And Definitions

A flowchart uses the special designs or boxes of different shapes of geometry to represent different types of instructions or steps involved in a process.

Flowchart shapes and definitions. Sometimes a flowchart shape can have more than one meaning as with the circle shape which depicts a jump node in flow charts and inspection point in business process mapping. The flowchart shows the steps as boxes of various kinds and their order by connecting the boxes with arrows. Numbering is helpful if you have to refer to a shape in a discussion. A flowchart can also be defined as a diagrammatic representation of an algorithm a step by step approach to solving a task.

This shape represents data stored and is used mainly in computer programming flowcharts. Numbering does not determine the flow of control. While these are pictured with rectangles the text in the rectangle mostly includes a verb. These are called flowchart symbols.

The following is a basic overview with descriptions and meanings of the most common flowchart symbols also commonly called flowchart shapes flow diagram symbols or process mapping symbols depending upon what type of diagram you re creating. In rfflow you can turn on numbering by clicking on tools and number shapes. The flowchart symbol names in parentheses are common alternates for a given shape. 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.

Flowchart process shape is used to represent a process action step or an operation. A flowchart is a type of diagram that represents a workflow or process. Also known as an action symbol this shape represents a process action or function. Optionally you can then hyperlink this shape to the other flowchart.

Data document decision or process. It s the most widely used symbol in flowcharting. Flowcharts are usually drawn from top to bottom or left to right. Any text you type onto the shape or information you add to its shape data remains with the shape.

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 you will see flowchart symbols and meaning with example and diagram.