Meaning Of Different Flowchart Symbols

Before you start making a flowchart in PowerPoint, it is necessary to know the meaning of the various symbols that are used in it. Knowledge of these symbols is essential for presenting your chart according to the right mix of shapes. Below is an explanation for the meaning of different flowcharts symbols.

Terminator Symbol (Start/End)

The Terminal Point is an oval shape that represents the start or end of a process. Hence, Terminators are used as triggers that initiate or end/exit a process in a flowchart.

Start And End Symbols in a Flowchart

Arrow Flowchart Symbol (Flow Line/Connector)

Arrows are an important part of flowcharts as they determine the flow of the process or task. The arrow is called a Flow Line or Connector which connects and determines the direction of the flowchart.

Arrow Symbol in Flowchart

Process Flowchart Symbol

This is one of the most commonly used symbols in a flowchart and shows an action step or process.

Process Symbol in flowchart

Predefined Process Flowchart Symbol (Subroutine)

If another process or series of processes are defined elsewhere, you can use this symbol to represent that predefined process or subroutine. This essentially means in a flow chart that a process has occurred. This symbol is often used to define sub-processes.

Predefined Process Symbol in Flowchart

Alternate Process Flowchart Symbol

This flowchart symbol is meant to show an alternate process. Flow lines (Arrows) for an alternate process are dashed.

Alternative Process Symbol in Flow Chart

Delay Flowchart Symbol

A common occurrence in process mapping, this symbol shows a Delay or waiting period in a process.

Delay Symbol in Flow Chart

Preparation Flowchart Symbol

This symbol serves as a preparation process in a flowchart.

Preparation Symbol in Flowchart

Manual Operation Flowchart Symbol

This symbol is represented to display process steps which may not be automated or require manual work by hand.

Manual Operation Symbol in Flow Chart

Decision Flowchart Symbol

This diamond shaped symbol is used where a decision is necessary, e.g. Yes/No or True/False.

Decision Symbol in Flowchart

Connector Flowchart Symbol

This symbol is used to show a jump in the process flow from one process to another.

Connector Symbol

Off-Page Connector Flowchart Symbol

Shows a continuation of a process flowchart to another page and is used as an alternative to a circle (Connector).

Off-Page Connector Symbol

Merge (Storage) Symbol

This symbol is used to represent the merging or storage of multiple processes or information as one.

Merge Symbol

Extract (Measurement) Symbol

Extract symbol is used to split processes in parallel paths.

Extract Symbol

Or Flowchart Symbol

This symbol is used when a process is diverged (which is usually in two processes).

Or

Summing Junction Flowchart Symbol

This symbol is used to converge multiple branches as a single process.

Summing Junction Symbol

Input And Output Flowchart Symbols

Data (I/O): The Data symbol represents inputs and outputs from a process. This is also called the I/O shape.

Manual Input: Shows process steps where manual information is to be provided into the system.

Document: This symbol shows a process step that produces a document.

Multi-Document: This is similar to the Document shape, except for the fact that it displays multiple documents.

Punched Tape: Used for old CNC machines and computers.

Card: Not used often, this symbol is a companion to the Punched Tape.

Display: Meant to indicate that information is shown to a user.

Input And Output Flowchart Symbols

Information And File Storage Flowchart Symbols

Stored Data: Used for a process or flowchart step where data is stored.

Magnetic Disk (Database): This symbol is used to show data storage. This is also the symbol for a Database.

Direct Access Storage: This symbol means hard drive.

Internal Storage: Meant for information stored on memory, instead of a file.

Sequential Access Storage: (Magnetic Tape): Symbol is like a reel of tape, depicting an old form of data storage type.

Information And File Storage Flowchart Symbols

Data Process Flowchart Symbols

Collate: The Collate symbol indicates a process step where organizing information, data or material is required.
Sort: This symbol indicates sorting information, data, or material in a predefined format.

Collate And Sort

Note: All the above mentioned flowchart symbols are available in Microsoft PowerPoint and can be used for constructing flowcharts in PowerPoint.

If you need more information on Flowchart templates and how to make flowcharts in PowerPoint, we recommend the Flowchart.

About Farshad

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