What are the Most Common Flowchart Symbols?

Whether you’re trying to read and follow a flowchart, or creating your own for your work industry; it is important to know what the different symbols and arrows mean for a deeper understanding of your project. Perhaps you learned about these flowchart symbols in school, but if you didn’t, this post will explain in detail what all the shapes and arrows in a flowchart actually mean.

You can begin to visualize your ideas and start creating flowcharts using our ClickCharts Diagram & Flowchart Software.

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What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a unique diagram that allows complex ideas and processes to be made into a more ‘fluid’ visual representation. Flowcharts can detail a process both vertically and horizontally. These types of charts explain different steps and often portray rectangles diamonds, ovals and every shape in between to display their content:

But, have you ever wondered what the different shapes in a flowchart actually mean?

The Arrows

Along with the content; arrows are possibly the most important part of a flowchart. Arrows help guide the viewer along with the flowchart and provide a connection between two potential big ideas.

ClickCharts displays 4 different types of arrows. These can be straight or have a potential squiggle to help emphasize a certain step in your process.

The Terminator

Like the iconic 80’s movie, the oval or ‘Terminator’ represents a beginning or end in a flowchart.

When using ClickCharts simply choose the oval and drag it onto your flowchart.

The Process

The rectangle, also known as ‘The Process’ is the most commonly used shape in a flowchart. This represents a step in the process and should be your go-to when you start to create these.

Rectangles are also used to depict basic tasks or actions taken in a flowchart.

The Diamond

A diamond shape in a flowchart represents a decision is being made. When using this, a flowchart may take on multiple directions.

This symbol is often found in the beginning, or the middle of a flowchart, and it is often the least used shape.

Merge

The merging symbol represents a point where two separate processes join together. This shape ties two ideas and brings them together merging into one.

This symbol is often found directly after a diamond or near the end of a flowchart.

Document Symbols

These icons show there are additional references to your work. You can use these in a flowchart to emphasize extra details on an idea point or external sources.

Data Symbols

Data symbols are used to reference where your data is being stored. This can include anywhere from internal storage (Hard drive) or a specific database (Disk drive.)

Now that you have knowledge of these symbols, you have the building blocks to begin using them on your own. With ClickCharts Diagram & Flowchart Software, you will be able to use these along with many more symbols to begin creating your flowcharts quickly and easily.

Download ClickCharts for Windows