5 Aug 2024

Flowchart Symbols and Meanings

Flowchart Symbols and Meanings
A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process or system. It uses flowchart shapes to depict the various steps, decisions, and outcomes involved in a sequence. Essentially, it's a visual map that outlines how something works or should work. The primary purpose of a flowchart is to provide a clear, concise, and easy-to-understand overview of a process.

The flowchart symbols or flowchart shapes are the fundamental elements to grasp whether you're crafting a flowchart or deciphering one. These symbols each carry a distinct meaning and play a unique role, essentially serving as signposts that guide you through the chart. Read this blog to learn the significance of these symbols, revealing not just what they are, but where and why they find their place in the flowchart landscape.


History of Flowchart Symbols

The concept of flowcharts dates back to the early 20th century, with roots in industrial engineering and process improvement. Early pioneers like Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, known for their work in time and motion studies, used visual representations to analyze work processes. With the advent of computers in the mid-20th century, flowcharts became essential tools for programmers to design and document algorithms.


As flowcharts gained traction, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) stepped in during the 1960s, setting standards for both flowcharts and their symbols. By 1970, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) embraced ANSI symbols, marking a global consensus.


The current standard, ISO 5807, emerged in 1985 and got a refresh in 2019. Flowcharts generally follow a top-to-bottom and left-to-right direction.

Flowchart Symbols

The effectiveness of flowcharts relies heavily on the accurate use of standardized symbols. Each symbol represents a specific type of action or decision, offering a clear and intuitive method for illustrating complex workflows. Different types of operations are depicted using simple, distinct symbols, while specialized symbols can be employed to add further detail. Think of it as a visual language that clarifies how information flows and gets processed.


By mastering these symbols, you can create flowcharts that not only communicate processes effectively but also streamline operations and improve understanding across various disciplines.

Basic Flowchart Symbols

To begin understanding flowcharts, let's start with the fundamental building blocks: the basic symbols. These core elements form the foundation for creating even the most complex flowcharts.


Let's explore these essential symbols and their functions.


1. Input/Output Symbol

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The input/output symbol is represented by a parallelogram. It signifies points where data enters or exits a process. For instance, it could represent user input, data retrieval from a database, or the display of results on a screen. This symbol clearly indicates data transfer within the flowchart.

2. Process

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The process symbol is a rectangle that represents an action or activity within the flowchart. It encapsulates any operation or task performed in the process. For instance, it could represent calculating a value, printing a document, or making a phone call. The rectangle provides a clear visual indication of a process step.


3. Terminal

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The terminal symbol is an oval shape that marks the beginning or end of a process. It clearly indicates where the flowchart starts and stops. Typically, the word "Start" or "End" is placed within the oval to provide clarity.


4. Decision

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The decision symbol is a diamond shape that represents a point where a choice is made. It typically has one entry point and multiple exit points, each representing a different possible outcome based on the decision.



5. Flowline Arrowhead

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A flowline is an arrow that indicates the direction of flow between symbols in a flowchart. It shows the sequence of steps and the path that data or control follows through the process.


Other Additional Flowchart Symbols

Beyond the basic symbols, there are several other commonly used symbols in flowcharts to represent specific actions or data:


1. On-page Connector

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The connector symbol is a circle used to link different parts of a flowchart. It's particularly useful when the flowchart becomes complex or extends over multiple pages. By using connectors, you can avoid crossing lines, improving readability and clarity. Each connector pair is labeled with the same letter or number to indicate the connection points.


2. Off-Page Connector

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The off-page connector indicates that the flowchart continues on another page or section. It facilitates the organization of complex processes by allowing the flowchart to extend beyond a single page while maintaining a clear connection between different parts of the diagram.


3. Pre-Defined Process

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The predefined process symbol represents a subprocess or a procedure defined elsewhere. This symbol indicates that a specific action or set of actions is detailed in another flowchart or document. It helps to simplify the main flowchart by avoiding unnecessary complexity. Using this symbol promotes modularity and improves readability.


4. Preparation

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The preparation or initialization symbol is used to denote the step where variables or parameters are set to their initial values before the main process begins. This symbol signifies a setup phase that precedes the core activities of the process. It indicates actions that prepare the system or environment for the subsequent steps in the flowchart, such as configuring settings, gathering resources, or initializing variables.


5. Manual Input

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This symbol indicates data that is entered manually into the process, such as data typed by a user or information entered via a physical input device. It differentiates manual data entry from automated input processes.

6. Manual Operation

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This symbol indicates an operation that requires human intervention or interaction. It signifies tasks performed by a person rather than an automated process. Examples of manual operations include data entry, physical actions, or decision-making that cannot be automated.


7. Document

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The document symbol signifies the creation, input, or output of a document within the process. This symbol can represent various types of documents, such as reports, forms, letters, or any other written or printed material. It clearly indicates the involvement of documentation in the flowchart.


8. Multi-Document

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This symbol indicates a step in the process involving the creation, input, or output of multiple documents. It helps differentiate between single and multiple documents, providing clarity about the volume of documentation involved in that particular step.

9. Delay

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The delay symbol signifies a waiting period or a pause in the process. This symbol indicates a delay due to various reasons, such as resource availability, system processing time, or external factors. It helps to visualize and account for time-consuming aspects of the process.


10. Merge

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The merge symbol indicates a point in the flowchart where multiple paths or processes converge into a single path. This symbol is used to combine different flow branches into a unified continuation of the process. It is essentially the opposite of a decision symbol, where multiple paths diverge from a single point.


11. Data File

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This symbol indicates a step in the process where data is read from or written to a file, which could be a database, spreadsheet, or any other data storage medium. The data file symbol is commonly used in flowcharts to illustrate operations involving data storage or retrieval within a program or system.


12. Online Storage Symbol

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The online storage symbol in a flowchart represents a place where data is stored or retrieved electronically over a network, like the Internet. It indicates that information is accessed or stored in a digital environment rather than on physical media like paper or cards.


Understanding the meaning and proper usage of flowchart symbols is essential for creating clear and effective visual representations of processes. By mastering these symbols, you can enhance communication, streamline operations, and improve understanding across various fields. Whether you're modeling business processes, designing software, or managing projects, flowcharts are invaluable tools for simplifying complex workflows.


To create your own flowcharts with ease, try MockFlow's Flowchart Maker. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features to help you design professional flowcharts quickly and efficiently. Start visualizing your processes today and unlock the full potential of flowcharting with MockFlow.





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