30 Flowchart Symbol Meanings: Shapes & Uses Explained

The flowchart symbols or flowchart shapes are the fundamental elements to grasp whether you're crafting a flowchart or deciphering one. Flowchart symbol meanings explain what each shape in a flowchart represents. A flowchart uses standard symbols to map process steps, decisions, inputs, outputs, and connections.

Each symbol carries a specific meaning that helps users visualize workflow logic. The oval shows start and end points. The rectangle represents a process or action. The diamond indicates a decision. The parallelogram marks input or output data.

These visual elements create a clear, standardized diagram for business, software, and process mapping.

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

2. Process

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

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

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

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

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

3. Pre-Defined Process

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

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

6. Manual Operation

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

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

9. Delay

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

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

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

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.

13. Display

This symbol indicates information displayed to the user via a monitor or output screen. It helps differentiate visual output from printed or stored data. In user-centric processes, the display symbol clarifies how and where a user receives feedback, enhancing interface or system clarity.

14. Or Symbol

Represents a branching condition where more than two possible outcomes exist. It’s useful in complex workflows where multiple parallel decisions can occur. This symbol ensures that every possible route is captured logically, preventing ambiguity in decision-driven processes.

15. Summing Junction

A point where multiple data or process flows converge into a single output. It’s helpful in illustrating aggregated results or combined process streams. Use this when several independent actions lead to a shared outcome, such as combining approval routes or merging report data.

16. Loop Limit / Iteration Symbol

Defines the boundaries or control of a repeating process. Often used in algorithmic flowcharts to show loops that execute until a certain condition is met. Including this symbol helps clarify the scope of repetition and prevents confusion in iterative tasks like calculations or data validation.

17. Parallel Mode / Synchronization Bar

Used when multiple processes run concurrently and later synchronize. Common in modern systems or workflow diagrams to show simultaneous operations. It’s particularly valuable in representing asynchronous workflows, like automated testing or data processing pipelines that later merge into one sequence.

18. Internal Storage

Represents temporary data stored within system memory rather than external databases. It’s mostly used in software flowcharts to show in-memory data handling. This symbol makes your flowcharts more precise when you need to highlight short-term storage during computation or processing.

19. Collate

The collate symbol represents the organization or arrangement of information into a specific order or sequence. It’s used when a process involves sorting, grouping, or aligning data or documents before proceeding to the next step. Use this symbol when illustrating workflows like data sorting, form collation, or document assembly.

20. Data

The data symbol, often shaped like a parallelogram, represents data input into or output from a process. It’s similar to the input/output symbol but focuses specifically on data flow between systems or storage. This helps clearly differentiate when information enters or exits a digital environment, improving accuracy in technical diagrams.

21. Transfer

The transfer symbol indicates the movement of data or materials from one point to another within a process. It’s often used in manufacturing, logistics, or data flow diagrams to show the physical or digital transition of items. Include this symbol when mapping workflows involving transportation, data migration, or inter-departmental handoffs.

22. Tape (Magnetic Tape Storage)

This symbol represents data stored on sequential-access storage media such as magnetic tape. Although less common today, it remains part of standardized flowchart notation for legacy or archival systems. It’s useful when documenting processes involving historical data retrieval, backups, or older data storage technologies.

23. Ellipse Start / End (Terminator)

An ellipse or rounded rectangle marks the starting or ending point of a process. It’s also called a terminal symbol and typically includes labels like “Start” or “End.” This symbol ensures clarity in your flowchart by visually defining the entry and exit points of the entire process.

24. Sort

The sort symbol represents the process of arranging data or items in a specific order: alphabetical, numerical, or logical sequence. It’s often used in data processing or workflow diagrams where organization and order are key outcomes.

25. Sequential Data

The sequential data symbol represents data stored or processed in a specific, ordered manner where each record follows the previous one in sequence. It is commonly used to visualize systems that rely on sequential access, such as tape drives or linear data streams.

Takeaway

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.

FAQs on Flowchart Symbols Meanings

1. What are flowchart symbol meanings?

Flowchart symbol meanings describe what each shape in a flowchart represents. These symbols standardize how steps, decisions, inputs, outputs, and processes are visualized. Common shapes include the oval for start or end, the rectangle for processes, the diamond for decisions, and the parallelogram for input or output data. Understanding these meanings helps users read and design flowcharts accurately.

2. Which symbols are most common in flowcharts?

The most common flowchart symbols are the oval (Start/End), rectangle (Process), diamond (Decision), parallelogram (Input/Output), and arrow (Flowline). These symbols form the core of most process and workflow diagrams. They are universally recognized and follow ANSI and ISO standards for clarity and consistency.

3. What is the start/end symbol in a flowchart and what does it represent?

The oval shape, also known as a terminal symbol, signifies the start or end of a process. It provides clear entry and exit points in the diagram, ensuring the flow is well-defined. Using this symbol consistently improves readability and prevents confusion in complex process maps.

4. Can I customize flowchart symbol meanings in MockFlow and still stay compliant with standards?

Yes. One of the strengths of MockFlow’s Flowchart Maker is that you can drag and drop standardized symbols and either use their default meanings or customize labels. The symbol shapes stay consistent, so anyone familiar with flowcharts can interpret them correctly, while colors and text can be adapted to your workflow needs.

5. Why choose MockFlow to create flowcharts instead of generic drawing tools?

MockFlow is purpose-built for creating professional flowcharts. It offers a built-in library of standard shapes, drag-and-drop connectors, AI-assisted diagram creation, and real-time collaboration. These features ensure you use accurate flowchart symbol meanings while designing faster and more effectively.

6. What are some mistakes to avoid when using flowchart symbols and meaning examples in a diagram?

Common mistakes include using non-standard shapes, mixing up meanings, adding too many symbols, or failing to label decision paths clearly. To maintain clarity, stick to recognized symbol meanings, follow a logical flow (top-to-bottom or left-to-right), and include a short legend if your diagram uses uncommon shapes.