Table of Contents
Learn how-to Create Flowcharts in 11 Steps
If you adhere to a structured, sequential approach, constructing a flowchart can be straightforward. Below is a comprehensive manual. It outlines the steps involved in creating a flowchart. It also provides suggestions for utilizing tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or Google Drawings.
1. Define the Process or Problem
Objective: Find out what process or problem you want to visualize. Be clear on the start point, end point, and key steps.
Example: Let’s say you want to create a flowchart for a customer support process.
2. List Out the Key Steps
Objective: Write down the main steps involved in the process. You don’t need to worry about drawing yet, just outline what happens first, second, and so on.
Example:
Step 1: Customer raises a support ticket
Step 2: Support agent reviews the ticket
Step 3: Agent resolves the issue
Step 4: Ticket is closed
3. Choose the Right Flowchart Tool
Select a tool that fits your needs. Here’s a quick overview of popular tools:
- Lucidchart (web-based, easy to use)
- Microsoft Visio (professional, paid)
- Google Drawings (free and simple)
- Draw.io (free and powerful)
4. Select Flowchart Shapes
Use standard flowchart shapes to represent each step:
- Oval: Start/End of the process
- Rectangle: Process step
- Diamond: Decision point (Yes/No, True/False)
- Arrow: Direction of flow
5. Start with the ‘Start’ Shape
Place an oval shape at the top of your diagram to indicate the starting point of the process.
6. Add Process Steps Using Rectangles
For each action in your list (like “Support agent reviews the ticket”), place a rectangle shape. Connect these with arrows to show the sequence of steps.
7. Use Diamonds for Decision Points
For any decision-making points, use a diamond. Label the decision clearly (e.g., “Is the ticket high priority?”). Then, draw arrows leading to the next steps based on Yes/No outcomes.
8. Connect the Shapes with Arrows
Objective: Use arrows to show how one step leads to the next. This provides a clear flow of how the process moves.
9. Add End Points
At the conclusion of the process, use another oval to indicate the end. Ensure all branches and decision points lead to an end.
10. Review and Optimize the Flowchart
Objective: Double-check for any missing steps or unnecessary complexity. Ensure the chart is easy to follow, and labels are clear.
11. Share or Export the Flowchart
Once you’re done, export the flowchart to a suitable format (PDF, PNG) or share it with your team.
Example of a Simple diagram creation:
Let’s create a simple flowchart for a customer support process:
- Start
- Customer submits ticket -> Process box
- Is the issue clear? -> Decision diamond
Yes -> Proceed to resolve
No -> Ask for more details
- Resolve issue -> Process box
- Ticket closed -> End
Flowchart Tools Instructions diagram creation:
- Sign up and create a new document.
- Drag shapes (ovals, rectangles, diamonds) from the side panel to the workspace.
- Connect shapes with arrows by clicking on the blue circles and dragging to the next shape.
- Label each shape by clicking and typing.
- Save or export as needed.
- Using Google Drawings:
- Open Google Drawings from Google Drive.
- Insert shapes from the toolbar (choose ovals, rectangles, etc.).
- Draw arrows to connect shapes.
- Label the shapes with text.
- Save to Google Drive or export as an image.
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