Flowchart Symbols

Flowchart Symbols

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why Flowchart Symbols Matter
• Circle (Connector)
• Hexagon (Preparation)
• Cylinder (Database)
• Trapezoid (Manual Input)
• Inverted Triangle (Merge)
• Triangle (Extract)
• Semi-oval (Delay)
• Pentagon (Off-Page Connector)
• Double Rectangle (Predefined Process)
• Stored Data Symbol
• Summary
• Ending

Introduction: Why Flowchart Symbols Matter

• Definition:

  • Flowchart symbols are standardized shapes used to represent different steps or elements in a process flow.

• Importance:

  • Using consistent symbols helps communicate process logic clearly across a page or between pages.

• Guide Overview:

  • This guide introduces ten flowchart symbols and what each one represents.

Circle (Connector)

• Shape Name:

  • Circle (Connector)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Acts as a connector (on-page connector).

• Practical Usage:

  • Symbolizes the continuation of a process flow across different sections of the same page or onto a new page.

• Labeling Note:

  • Often labeled with a letter or number to match connector pairs.

Hexagon (Preparation)

• Shape Name:

  • Hexagon (Preparation)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Indicates a preparation step.

• Practical Usage:

  • Represents a setup action completed before the main process starts.

Cylinder (Database)

• Shape Name:

  • Cylinder (Database)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Shows stored data.

• Practical Usage:

  • Represents data stored in a database or storage system.

Trapezoid (Manual Input)

• Shape Name:

  • Trapezoid (Manual Input)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Indicates manual data entry.

• Practical Usage:

  • Used when a person enters data manually.

• Example:

  • Typing information into a system.

Inverted Triangle (Merge)

• Shape Name:

  • Inverted Triangle (Merge)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Combines paths.

• Practical Usage:

  • Used when multiple process paths merge into one.

Triangle (Extract)

• Shape Name:

  • Triangle (Extract)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Separates or removes part of data.

• Practical Usage:

  • Used when part of data is extracted from a process.

Semi-Oval (Delay)

• Shape Name:

  • Semi-oval (Delay)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Indicates waiting.

• Practical Usage:

  • Represents a waiting or delay period in a process.

• Examples:

  • "Hold for approval" or "Wait 24 hours".

Pentagon (Off-Page Connector)

• Shape Name:

  • Pentagon (Off-Page Connector)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Indicates continuation elsewhere.

• Practical Usage:

  • Shows that the flowchart continues on another page.

Double Rectangle (Predefined Process)

• Shape Name:

  • Double Rectangle (Predefined Process)

• Function/Purpose:

  • Represents a predefined process.

• Practical Usage:

  • A process that is explained somewhere else (a mini-process inside a bigger one).

Stored Data Symbol

• Shape Name:

  • Stored Data Symbol

• Function/Purpose:

  • Indicates stored data.

• Practical Usage:

  • Represents data that can be retrieved later.

Summary of the Ten Symbols

• Circle (Connector):
  • Continuation connector (often labeled).
• Hexagon (Preparation):
  • Setup step before the main process.
• Cylinder (Database):
  • Data stored in a database/storage.
• Trapezoid (Manual Input):
  • Human enters data manually.
• Inverted Triangle (Merge):
  • Multiple paths combine into one.
• Triangle (Extract):
  • Part of data is separated/removed.
• Semi-oval (Delay):
  • Waiting/delay period.
• Pentagon (Off-Page Connector):
  • Flow continues on another page.
• Double Rectangle (Predefined Process):
  • Process detailed elsewhere.
• Stored Data Symbol:
  • Data retrievable later.

Thank You

• If questions arise, reach out for clarification.