How to Make Flow Charts

Flowcharts are kind of like a map of a process or product flow. They're a helpful visually representation of how something moves from point A to point B. They can be simple, single page documents or complex, multiple page flows. There are various software programs that can help you create a flowchart. Microsoft Visio is an excellent flowchart program, but you don't have to have flowchart specific software. You can create flowcharts with flowchart shapes in Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Follow the instructions to understand how to make a flowchart in any software program.

Things You'll Need

• Process outline
• Computer
• Software program that contains flowchart shapes

Instructions

1. 

   Insert an oval to start the flowchart. This shape is referred to as a terminator and is used to start and end the flowchart.

2. 

   Insert a rectangle shape to add a step in the process. Repeat this step for each process step.

3. 

   Insert a diamond shape for any decisions that occur during the process.

4. 

   Insert a parallelogram shape for any data that is important, but is not part of the process.

5. Insert a terminator (oval) shape to end the process.

6. 

   Connect the shapes in the flowchart with arrows to illustrate the process.