Flowchart Maker

Flowchart Templates

Scientific Method - Flowchart Example

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Sprint Tasks Flowchart

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Recruitment Process Flowchart

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Meeting Flowchart Template

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Flowchart Template with Multiple Ends

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E-commerce - Order Process Flowchart

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Help Desk Flowchart Example

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Remote Hiring Process

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What is a Flowchart?

A flowchart is a diagram that visually represents the progression of steps of a process or workflow. They are commonly used as decision-making, problem-solving, system designing, and educational tools.

There are multiple types of flowcharts including:

• Process flowchart - shows the steps of a process in sequential order.
• Workflow chart - visualizes a workflow or actions that need to be carried out to achieve a goal.
• Data flow chart - represents how data is processed within a system.
• Swimlane flowchart - illustrates process steps along with responsible owners or departments.

What are Flowcharts Used for?

Flowcharts are used across multiple industries;

• To clarify process steps or workflows and their respectful owners.
• To analyze existing processes to identify inefficiencies and necessary improvements.
• To collaborate on planning and designing new processes and to build a common understanding of them.
• To standardize processes by allowing team members to follow a single set of steps consistently.
• To train and guide new and existing employees on performing their tasks accurately.

How to Create a Flowchart Collaboratively

1. Identify the process or the workflow you and your team want to document or visualize. And then define the purpose and goals of the flowchart.

2. Gather the team members who will be involved in creating the flowchart. Create a Creately workspace for your flowchart. Add the team as collaborators with edit access to allow them to work together. You can easily track the changes they make with real-time cursor tracking and synced previews.

3. Identify the different steps involved in executing this process. If several people are responsible for carrying out the process, collaborate and get their input for an accurate visualization.

4. Using the standard flowchart symbols available in the Creately flowchart maker, convert the listed steps into a flowchart.

5. First, drag and drop the Start/End symbol onto the canvas. Using the Plus Create option, add the next symbol depending on whether it’s a process/step/operation or decision. Make sure to use the correct flowchart symbol to represent your data.

6. Connect the shapes with arrows highlighting the flow of the process or workflow. Creately’s Plus Create automatically recognizes the flow and adds the relevant connector as you draw the flowchart.

7. Customize the flowchart as necessary with Creately’s preset color themes before sharing it with stakeholders for feedback.

8. Review the flowchart frequently and update it as the process it represents, undergoes changes.

Flowchart Symbols

Terminal / Terminator

Represents the start or end of a process or system.

Process

Represent a process, action step, or operation.

Data

Shows the data inputs or outputs of a process.

Decision

Represents the decision point of a process.

Document

Indicates a document or report in a process flow.

Stored Data

Represents a data storage device or location, such as a database, file, or other form of data storage.

Direct Data

Indicate a step in the process where data is directly entered or obtained from an external source, such as a user, sensor, or other system.

Internal Storage

Represents an internal storage location, such as a register or buffer.

Manual Input

Represents a step in the process where data is manually entered by a user or operator.

Predefined Process

Represents a subroutine or a predefined process that is called upon during the process.

Flowchart Resources

How to Use Cross Functional Flowcharts for Planning

Flowcharts are widely popular and one of the most frequently diagram types. They are great for mapping the flow of steps, decisions that need to be made etc in a process. However flowcharts have just more than the process names, their flow...

Visual Problem Solving with Mind Maps and Flowcharts

Everyone has problems, and we spend most of our working lives solving them. For those who find this quite negative, problems can be also termed as Issues, Challenges or Opportunities. Some people are especially gifted at problem-solving...

How Cross Functional Flowcharts Make Problem Solving Easier

A basic flowchart shows how micro processes are sequentially linked together in an operation. They are basically one dimensional, just showing the processes without going into much detail about the attributes of the particular process...

Flowchart Templates Available at Creately

Flowcharts are easier to draw compared to other diagrams, but it doesn’t hurt to have flowchart examples to get started quickly. It’s much easier to change an existing diagram than to draw one from scratch. Our users have access to hundreds...

How to Write Clear and Effective Standard Operating Procedures; The Practical Guide with Templates

Every organization needs a set of rules to guide its members. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are established for this purpose. SOPs are an essential part of any business and are necessary to ensure the quality and consistency of...

101 Guide to Creating User Flow Diagrams

User flow diagrams are indispensable in mastering user experience. They allow you to understand how users interact with your app or website, the steps they take to complete a task or achieve a goal on your website. This will help you create...

The Easy Guide to Business Process Reengineering

Business process reengineering is a crucial element in the agenda of many large as well as small companies in many industries, with manufacturing and banking/ finance being the leading sectors. It allows organizations to view their business...

What is a Workflow? A Simple Guide with Editable Templates

Whether you are planning a project or your week, a workflow can help you organize and document the tasks you need to stay focused and keep track of them. In this guide, we will discuss: what is a workflows, how to create one along with...

FAQs About Flowcharts