What Do Flowchart Boxes Mean
This page should help in making your decision.
What do flowchart boxes mean. A processing step usually called activity and denoted as a rectangular box. Flowcharts are usually drawn from top to bottom or left to right. Watch this quick video learn more about flowchart symbols. Use the five minute rule.
Do not let five minutes go by without putting up a symbol or box. The most common shape is a rectangle used to show a single action or operation. On this page we show you a visual representation of each of these flowchart symbols along with their names and a brief description. If you are not sure about how to structure your flowchart try to use only a few boxes in order to focus on the most important steps.
The others are optional and often only confuse people. A decision usually denoted as a diamond. Most flowcharts tend to use only three or four of the shapes unless there is a clear business reason to use more. The various flowchart symbols available within the shapes galleries of microsoft office applications can represent different concepts.
If you are new to flowcharting the large number of shapes can be intimidating. A symbol appearing in a particular lane is within the control of that organizational unit. Also known as the terminator symbol this symbol represents the start points end points and potential outcomes of a path. 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 the table below lists the flowchart symbol drawing the name of the flowchart symbol in microsoft office with aliases in parentheses and a short.
What do flowchart symbols mean. It s the most widely used symbol in flowcharting. The two most common types of boxes in a flowchart are. Numbering does not determine the flow of control.
However there is no standard universal meaning for the shapes any shape can carry whatever meaning is agreed on by the people who will create and read the flowcharts. A flowchart is described as cross functional when the page is divided into different lanes describing the control of different organizational chart units. Which flowchart shape should you use. Numbering is helpful if you have to refer to a shape in a discussion.
Most charts can be drawn with the first five basic flowchart shapes listed. Numbering shapes is optional. Also known as an action symbol this shape represents a process action or function. Often contains start or end within the shape.
If the decision of which symbol or box should be used is unclear use a cloud symbol or a note and move on. Flowcharts consist of a few common geometric shapes representing steps.