Definition of Flowchart Symbols: Meaning and Their Messages

The steps, sequence, and options in a process are displayed using flowchart symbols. When combined, they create a universal language that facilitates process analysis. You've probably seen flowcharts before, which illustrate stages of a process, including its start and finish, using a variety of shapes, lines, and arrows. Thus, knowing the meaning of these symbols improves communication, makes problem-solving easier, and eventually directs process improvement.

With all of that, we will go over flowchart symbols and their meanings in this section. In addition, we recommend using a flowchart maker or altering flowchart templates that allow you to add, remove, and modify various shapes and symbols while making a flowchart. We also offer the best tool available for you to use.

• Part 1. Best Flowchart Maker: MindOnMap
• Part 2. Common Flowchart Shape Meaning
• Part 3. Flowchart Symbols List
• Part 4. FAQs about Flowchart Symbols

Part 1. Best Flowchart Maker: MindOnMap

As we begin this comprehensive guide, we will first introduce you to the best tool for creating your MindOnMap. This mapping tool offers various features and elements for building your chart without complications. Here, you can choose a recommended flowchart theme or start from scratch to control all the elements. Furthermore, this tool is free and can deliver a higher-quality output. It supports wide file formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, and more. That is only an overview of MindOnMap’s Flowchart Maker. You can now discover more from it when you start using it. Check out these straightforward key features you can enjoy with MindOnMap below:

Key Features

• Flowchart Creation. Instant creating process of your flowchart with any topics.

• Pre-made Symbols. It offers various symbols that can make your flowchart cohesive.

• One-click export. You can easily save the flowchart you created and easily share it with other people.

• Works on any device.Work anywhere and any time because you can use MindOnMap from your mobile phones to computer devices.

Part 2. Common Flowchart Shape Meaning

The use of standardized shapes that practically everyone can recognize right away is one of the reasons flowcharts are so widely used. In line with that, these are the five shapes that are frequently found in flowcharts. Check them out below and see their short functions.

• Oval (Terminal symbol): It is the start or end of the process.

• Rectangle (Process symbol): Denotes the operation step.

• Arrow (Arrow Symbol): Flow between the steps.

• Diamond (Decision symbol): Requires a yes or no answer.

• Parallelogram (Input/Output symbol): For input or output operations.

Part 3. Flowchart Symbols List

Each shape in a flowchart serves a purpose; it's not merely a matter of taste! This section will give the shape a name, show you what it looks like, and then explain how it works.

Oval or Pill: The Terminal Symbol

The oval form, sometimes referred to as the terminal symbol, resembles an ellipse or an extended circle. Its purpose is to give a flowchart's beginning and ending a visual reference. You should say Start and End aloud to ensure that readers comprehend the start and endpoint appropriately.

Rectangle: The Process Symbol

Each distinct task or action within a process is highlighted with a rectangle. The rectangle, also referred to as the process symbol, is essential for outlining the series of events or operations that occur from the beginning to the end of a process. Flowcharts make it simple to comprehend, follow, and evaluate specific actions that contribute to the overall workflow by arranging them inside a rectangle.

Parallelogram: The Input or Output Symbol

A flowchart represents a system's input and output operations by a parallelogram. It indicates the stage of a procedure where a user must input data into a system, like when an online buyer enters their name, address, and payment information.

However, as demonstrated in the previous example, the parallelogram can also denote a point at which the system creates data, such as an order confirmation number. Thus, it's a good idea to use labels or arrows to indicate whether the process is an input or an output.

Diamond or Rhombus: Decision Symbol

A diamond or rhombus is also referred to as the decision symbol because it draws attention to a decision point in a flowchart. When there is a conditional statement, such as a True or False question or a Yes or No question, diamonds are typically present. Consequently, this symbol always has two or more branches.

Arrow

An arrow is typically used to connect two rectangles, parallelograms, or diamond symbols and emphasize a sequential flow. Arrows are only used to provide your flowchart's visual direction.

On Page Connector Symbol

A flowchart's on-page connector symbol is a fancy way of saying circle. In a flowchart, this form joins two or more distinct paths without the need for lengthy, crossing lines that could make the flowchart hard to read. Consider the circle to be a bridge that connects.

Off-Page Connector Symbol

A polygon with five points is the off-page connector. Complex multi-page flowcharts are typically used to show that the process continues on a subsequent page. To direct the reader to the precise place where the process continues, the off-page connection is usually accompanied by a reference point, such as a page number, section identification, or special code.

Document Symbol

The symbol for the document is a rectangle with a wavy line underneath it. In addition to hinting at its purpose of identifying a workflow point where documentation is essential to the process, its form is meant to imitate a sheet of paper. For administrative processes, quality assurance methods, or any other process where documentation and record-keeping are essential, the document symbol is especially helpful.

Merge Symbol

To merge two or more lists into a single flow, use the merge symbol, which is represented by a triangle. The merging of several inputs or sequences can be expressed with the merge symbol. The triangle can be used to depict the location of a merging and the unified process that results because its pointed end faces the direction of the flow.

Collate Symbol

The hourglass-shaped collate sign denotes the collection, arrangement, or structuring of objects in a particular order or sequence. When information must be arranged before it can be processed or examined, this symbol can be helpful.

Sort Symbol

Two isosceles triangles connected on their longest side form a Sort symbol. In procedures where information or objects must be categorized and arranged to make subsequent actions or decisions easier, this symbol is helpful. It could be used, for instance, to show how customer input is sorted into priority categories or how products are arranged by category before stocking.

Manual Operation Symbol

The extended top side of the trapezoid is used to indicate a non-automated operation that needs to be handled or intervened in manually. The trapezoid can be used to determine areas that require human resources and/or where manual labor may cause bottlenecks.

Part 4. FAQs about Flowchart Symbols