What Is a Flowchart? Definition, Symbols, Examples and How to Create One
A flowchart is a visual diagram that represents a process, workflow, or algorithm using standardized symbols connected by arrows. It helps document procedures, analyze decision logic, and improve communication across teams while supporting structured process visualization across organizations.
In short: A flowchart is a structured visual diagram used to map processes, decision logic, and workflows.
- Used for documenting SOPs
- Helps visualize algorithms
- Improves operational clarity
This guide reflects structured process modeling standards used in business analysis, industrial engineering, and software development documentation practices.
Flowchart Definition in One Sentence
A flowchart is a visual process diagram that uses standardized symbols and arrows to show workflow steps and decision logic from start to finish.
What Is a Flowchart?
A flowchart is a structured process diagram used to visualize workflows, algorithms, and decision logic. A well-designed diagram helps teams document procedures, clarify execution paths, and improve operational communication. It is widely used in business process mapping and algorithm representation.
Flowcharts are widely used for process modeling, business process visualization, system documentation, and algorithm mapping.
Flowcharts are commonly used alongside workflow diagrams and process maps.
Basic example of a structured process diagram illustrating decision logic.
Key Symbols
Standardized notation ensures consistency in workflow modeling and operational documentation.
Process Symbol (Rectangle)
Represents an action or task execution within a process diagram.
Start and End Symbol (Oval)
Indicates control flow boundaries and process lifecycle limits.
Decision Symbol (Diamond)
Represents conditional branching and logical decision points.
Input / Output Symbol (Parallelogram)
Used to illustrate data entry, output, or external interaction.
Connector Symbol
Links segments in complex diagrams for clarity.
Flowchart Diagram Examples
These examples demonstrate structured decision-tree diagrams and practical process modeling scenarios.
Simple Process Flowchart
A basic operational process showing step sequence and decision branching.
Business Process Flowchart
Used for operational efficiency analysis and cross-department coordination.
Advanced Operational Flowchart
Illustrates multi-level decision paths and structured execution flow.
Swimlane Flowchart
Highlights responsibility distribution across roles or departments.
See how to build structured diagrams step by step in the Flow Chart Creator guide.
Benefits of Using Flowcharts
- Improved operational efficiency
- Clear system documentation
- Decision visibility and control flow transparency
- Standardized SOP design
- Process optimization and audit readiness
Flowcharts also improve cross-functional coordination and system-level transparency.
Applications Across Industries
Flowcharts support business process modeling, system architecture documentation, internal audit workflows, manufacturing processes, and software logic design.
Flowcharts in Business Operations
Used for SOP documentation, compliance mapping, and audit preparation.
Flowcharts in Software Development
Used for algorithm design, logic structuring, and system modeling.
Flowcharts in Manufacturing
Support quality control workflows and production optimization.
They are particularly effective for workflow optimization and compliance process documentation.
How to Create a Flowchart
- Define process scope
- Identify execution steps
- Map decision logic
- Select standardized symbols
- Arrange using logical control flow
- Review for clarity and optimization
This structured approach ensures scalable process design and clear execution logic.
Professional diagramming software simplifies scalable process mapping.
Best Practices for Designing Flowcharts
- Maintain consistent notation standards
- Minimize crossing lines
- Use structured layout alignment
- Keep decision branches concise
Example showing a poorly structured flowchart compared to a well-organized diagram following best practices.
Effective process diagrams maintain visual hierarchy and directional clarity. Steps should follow a consistent top-to-bottom or left-to-right structure to reduce cognitive load. Labeling must be concise and action-oriented, avoiding unnecessary detail inside shapes.
For complex systems, it is recommended to modularize diagrams into smaller logical segments rather than compressing all steps into a single visual. This improves readability and long-term maintainability.
Pro Tip: Keep each flowchart focused on a single process to maintain clarity and reduce cognitive overload.
Common Flowchart Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading diagrams with excessive detail
- Using inconsistent symbol notation
- Creating unclear decision branches
- Ignoring stakeholder readability
Types of Flowcharts
- Process flowchart
- Business process flowchart
- Cross-functional (swimlane) flowchart
- Data flow diagram
- Workflow diagram
Explore related guides:
Flowchart vs Workflow vs Process Map
While all three diagram types support process visualization, a flowchart focuses on structured decision-tree logic and control flow.
| Feature | Flowchart | Workflow Diagram | Process Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Decision logic & control flow | Task movement | High-level structure |
| Primary Use | Algorithm & process modeling | Operational coordination | Strategic overview |
| Typical Complexity | Medium to High | Medium | Low to Medium |
Understanding these distinctions helps organizations choose the right process visualization method for operational modeling.
Visual comparison of a flowchart, workflow diagram, and process map structure.
When to Use a Flowchart
Use flowcharts for process standardization, workflow optimization, and structured decision-tree analysis.
When Not to Use a Flowchart
Avoid flowcharts for highly dynamic systems or when a simple checklist is sufficient.
Brief History
Flowcharts originated in industrial engineering and later became fundamental for algorithm visualization and system documentation in computer science.
Early structured process diagrams were popularized in industrial engineering during the early 20th century. With the rise of computer science, visual algorithm representation became fundamental for program logic design and system documentation.
Today, structured diagramming remains a core method for modeling operational workflows and decision-driven systems across industries.
Tools and Software
Modern diagramming platforms enable structured process mapping and scalable workflow visualization.
Why Use Professional Flowchart Software?
- Pre-built symbol libraries
- Automatic alignment tools
- Export to PDF, PNG, SVG
- Scalable enterprise workflow modeling
ConceptDraw DIAGRAM with the Flowcharts Solution supports professional-grade process diagrams and workflow documentation.
FAQ
What is a flowchart?
A visual process diagram representing a workflow using standardized symbols.
What are the five basic flowchart symbols?
Process, Start/End, Decision, Input/Output, Connector.
How do you create a flowchart?
Define steps, choose symbols, arrange logically, connect with arrows.
What is a process flow diagram?
A type of flowchart used to represent operational processes.
What is a swimlane flowchart?
A flowchart divided into lanes by responsibility.
What makes a good flowchart?
Clarity, consistent notation, logical structure, and effective workflow representation.
What is the difference between a flowchart and a workflow diagram?
Flowchart focuses on logic; workflow focuses on task movement.
When should flowcharts be used?
When documenting and analyzing structured processes.
Are flowcharts still relevant?
Yes, widely used in modern business and software engineering.
Can flowcharts improve business efficiency?
Yes, they help identify bottlenecks and optimize workflows.
