A Complete Guide to Flowchart Symbols and Meanings

Ever wondered how cartoons get made or how your favourite video game comes to life? 

Well, it starts with a plan. A roadmap that breaks down big tasks into smaller, easier-to-follow steps. That's where flowcharts come in! They represent secret codes that use special symbols to show the steps involved in a process.

In this guide, you'll become a flowchart wizard! Let’s answer the what is a flow chart?’ question for you!

Let's explore the different flowchart diagram symbols used in flowcharts along with what they mean. We'll also be teaching you how to use them in creating your own flowcharts. Also, we’ll learn more about flow chart symbols in this blog.

What are Flowchart Symbols?

Flowchart symbols are like tiny superheroes with a unique power to represent a specific step in the process. By putting these symbols together, we create a clear and easy-to-understand roadmap for anything! 

These symbols are essential parts of visualizing a process so that it is easier to understand, using more images instead of words.

The Most Common Shapes Used in Flowcharts

While some flowchart symbols and meanings might look fancy, they're actually quite simple. Here are some of the flow chart shapes that you'll see:

1. Rectangles

• These represent steps or actions in the process. Imagine them as instruction boxes, telling you what to do next.

2. Diamonds

• Diamonds are like decision points. They ask questions. The flowchart branches off in different directions depending on the answer. Think of them as crossroads, wherein you decide to follow a path.

3. Ovals

• Ovals signify the start and end of a process. The ‘Start’ oval is where your adventure begins, and the ‘End’ oval marks the big victory – you've completed the task!

Parallelograms

• These odd-shaped boxes represent input and output. Imagine input as information going into the process, like putting ingredients into a recipe.

Output is the result, like the yummy pizza you take out of the oven!

Also read this article : How to Make a Class Diagram

An Explanation of Top Flowchart Symbols

• Now that you know the basic shapes, let's meet some of the coolest flowchart symbols!

Flowline Symbol (Arrow)

• This mighty arrow connects all the other symbols, showing the direction of the process. It's like a guiding line, leading you from one step to the next.

Process Symbol (Rectangle)

• As mentioned earlier, this rectangle represents an action you take. It's the ‘what’ in your plan, like adding cheese to your pizza.

Terminal Symbol (Oval)

• This oval marks the successful completion of your mission! It's the big ‘Hooray!’ at the end of your flowchart adventure.

Diamond Decision Symbol

• This diamond asks a question that needs an answer. Based on your answer (yes or no), the flowchart takes a different path. Think of it as a mini quiz that guides you forward.

Input/Output Symbol (Parallelogram)

• The input symbol represents information entering the process, like choosing your pizza toppings. The output symbol shows the result, like the delicious pizza you created!

This symbol is like a shortcut superhero! It represents a complex process that's already been defined elsewhere and can be reused in your flowchart.

Annotation/Comment Symbol (Cloud)

• This cloud acts like a little notepad. You can add extra explanations or notes to any part of your flowchart for better understanding.

On-page Connector Symbol (Circle)

• This circle helps you connect flowchart elements that are close together on the same page without messy lines crossing everywhere.

Off-page Connector Symbol (Rectangle with Slanted Line)

• Similar to the on-page connector, this symbol helps you connect flowchart elements that are on separate pages. It's like a secret tunnel between pages!

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Delay Symbol (Rectangle with Diagonal Lines)

• This symbol signifies a waiting period in the process, like letting your pizza dough rise before baking.

Alternate Process Symbol (Rectangle with Braces)

• This rectangle shows alternative ways to complete a step. It is sort of a plan B in case plan A doesn't work out.

Data Symbol (Rectangle with Parallel Lines at Top)

• This symbol represents a piece of information used in the process. Such as the temperature for baking your pizza.

Document Symbol (Rectangle with Folded Corner)

• This symbol signifies a document used or created during the process, like your pizza recipe.

Multi-document Symbol (Rectangle with Multiple Folded Corners)

• This symbol represents multiple documents used or created in the process, like a pizza order form and a receipt.

Preparation Symbol (Rectangle with Horizontal Line Inside)

• This symbol shows a preparation step, like getting all your pizza ingredients ready before you start.

Manual Input Symbol (Trapezoid with Open Top)

• This symbol represents data entered manually, like typing your order into a computer system.

Manual Operation Symbol (Trapezoid with Open Bottom)

• This symbol shows a manual action performed by a person, like tossing pizza dough.

Display Symbol (Hexagon)

• This symbol represents information displayed to the user, like the total price of your pizza.

Conclusion

Now you're a flowchart superstar! You've learned about the different symbols and how they work together to create awesome visual plans. We’ve gone through the major flowchart shape meanings in this blog that can help you out.

Apart from understanding the various types of symbols, we also got to know the definitions behind them and what they aim to signify.

With that, you can hop on to the AssignmentGPT website and look for tools like Assignment Expert, Creative Code Generator, Grammar Guru and many more.

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