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Process Flow Chart Symbols

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Srinivasa Rao Ambati
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98 views5 pages

Process Flow Chart Symbols

Uploaded by

Srinivasa Rao Ambati
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart

Whether you're trying to read a flowchart or create a flowchart, a diagram of the steps in a process
in sequential order, knowing the most common flowchart symbols and conventions is going to make
it a lot easier.

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Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart
Basic Flowchart Symbols

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. Remember to use the
same symbol again to show that your flowchart is complete.

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. And 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

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Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart

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


As you know, flowcharts are made up of a sequence of actions, data, services, and/or materials.
They illustrate where data is being input and output, where information is being stored, what
decisions need to be made, and which people need to 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.

5. 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.”

6. Data Symbols

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Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart
Data symbols clarify where the data your flowchart references is being stored. (You probably
won’t use the paper tape symbol, but it definitely came in handy back in the day.)

7. Input & Output Symbols

Input and output symbols show where and how data is coming in and out throughout your
process.

8. Merging & Connecting Symbols

Agreed-upon merging and connector symbols make it easier to connect flowcharts that span
multiple pages.

9. Additional Useful Flowchart Symbols

The above are a few additional symbols that prove your flowcharting prowess when put to good
use.

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Flowchart Symbols for Creating a Flowchart
Example:

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