Flowcharts serve as needed tools in various fields. They enable the visualization of different systems and processes. Symbols hold great importance when it comes to the effectiveness of a chart. Symbols convey specific decisions, connections, and actions.
Today, we’re on a goal to provide a simple understanding by elaborating more on each flowchart symbol in detail. This guide will help you decipher the meanings of flowchart symbols and where to employ them!
Understanding Basic Flowchart Symbols
Although there are many advanced flowchart symbols, a few are the basic ones. So, let’s check out those fundamental symbols first:
- Flowline Symbol
The flowline symbol, represented as an arrow, illustrates the direction within the flowchart. It provides a visual cue for the sequential progression of steps. Also, it’s great to enhance the coherence and clarity of the flow process.
Flowline Symbol
- Terminator Symbol
The terminator symbol is usually depicted by an oval shape. It marks the beginning or end of a process. Its simplicity signifies the culmination of a sequence and delineates boundaries within the flowchart.
Terminator Symbol
- Process Symbol
The process symbol, typically a rectangle, denotes a particular operation in the flowchart. Whether it involves calculations, data manipulation, or other tasks, the process symbol serves as a pivotal point in portraying steps within a process.
Process Symbol
- Decision Symbol
Symbolized by a diamond shape, the decision symbol represents a branch point in the flowchart. It is the point where a choice must be made. This critical juncture directs the flow of the process based on some criteria, streamlining the decision-making processes.
Decision Symbol
Now that we have a quick overview of the basic symbols, it’s time to look at some advanced symbols of the flowchart.
Some Advanced Flowchart Symbols
Here are the advanced flowchart symbols that could help you depict tons of flow processes with ease:
- Input/Output Symbol
The input/output symbol is often depicted as a parallelogram. It is also known as a data symbol It represents the exchange of data or information with external sources. If you’re receiving user input or generating output for display, this symbol serves as a conduit for data transfer.
Input/Output Symbol
- Predefined Process Symbol
The predefined process symbol resembles a rectangle with double vertical lines on two opposite sides. It signifies a predefined routine within the flowchart. Its inclusion enhances readability by summing up the repetitive tasks into a single symbol.
Predefined Symbol
- Document Symbol
It is symbolized by a rectangle with a wavy bottom line. The symbol denotes the creation, modification, or storage of documents in the process. It emphasizes the importance of documentation and information management in any task.
Document Symbol
- Multi-Document Symbol
Represented by multiple pages of rectangle with wavy bottom line, the multi-document symbol denotes the handling of multiple documents in the chart. It enhances the management of diverse information sources in the outlined process.
Multi-Document Symbol
- Annotation Symbol
The annotation symbol seems similar to a squared bracket with a dash at the backside. It lets users add explanatory notes or comments within the flowchart. This symbol improves the comprehensibility of a process by providing additional context or clarification.
Annotation Symbol
- Preparation Symbol
The preparation symbol, portrayed as a hexagon, signifies the setup of resources within the chart. This symbol highlights the importance of preparatory steps and involves equipment allocation.
Preparation Symbol
- Display Symbol
Shown by an oval pointed from one side, the display symbol denotes the presentation of information within the flowchart. This symbol emphasizes the communication of results. The processes may involve data visualization or output display.
Display Symbol
- Manual Input Symbol
The manual input symbol is similar to a rectangle but the opposite sides are not equal. As the name says, it is used to represent the manual entry or input of data within the flowchart. This symbol highlights the human involvement in data input processes, be it keyboard input or manual data entry.
Manual Input Symbol
- Manual Operation Symbol
The manual operation symbol, depicted as an inverted trapezoid, denotes manual operations or actions within the flowchart. Similar to the manual input symbol, this symbol emphasizes human involvement in operational processes.
Manual Operation Symbol
- Alternate Process Symbol
Symbolized by a rectangle with rounded corners, the alternate process symbol represents an alternate path or procedure within the flowchart. It enables the depiction of alternative courses of action or contingency plans.
Alternate Process Symbol
- Delay Symbol
The delay symbol is a mixture of oval and rectangle, it has one side as a rectangle but the adjacent side is like a semi-circle. It signifies a delay or wait period within the flowchart. Whether it involves processing time or waiting for external factors, this symbol highlights the temporal aspect of the depicted process.
Delay Symbol
- On-Page Connector Symbol
The on-page connector symbol, depicted as a circle, shows the connection between elements on the same page within the flowchart. It facilitates the organization of complex processes by linking various elements within a single page layout.
On-Page Connector Symbol
- Off-Page Connector Symbol
Contrastingly, the off-page connector symbol represents the connection between elements on different pages within the flowchart. It is shown by a pentagonal shape pointed downwards. It makes the organization of complex processes across multiple pages easy and enhances the scalability and readability of the depicted process.
Off-Page Connector
Wrapping Up
Flowchart symbols serve as the building blocks of visual representations for any multi-step process. It enables the concise and structured depiction of processes and systems step by step. By understanding the meanings and applications of these symbols, individuals can create comprehensible flowcharts that effectively communicate complex processes.
Embracing the versatility of these symbols empowers users to streamline processes.