A proven visual format for breaking down complicated processes is the flowchart. You've probably seen all kinds of them, from the humorous ones to those used in technical fields like computer programming and engineering.
Flowcharts are diagrams that graphically represent the step-by-step progress of a procedure or system and are extremely useful for showing how things are going and for explaining a topic or giving instructions.
A well-designed flowchart can be a useful and fun tool; a flowchart went wrong, not so much. We've compiled a list of sample flowcharts for making important decisions in different areas, with helpful tips on how to create your own.
What is a flowchart?
A flowchart is a graphical representation of a process. It is a diagram that illustrates the workflow required to complete a task or set of tasks using symbols, lines, and shapes.
Here are two examples of a flowchart:
Create your own flowchart in minutes!start for free
Flowcharts are used to examine, improve and communicate processes in different areas. They are great tools for breaking information down and making it easy to understand and understand.
From sales, marketing, project management and human resources to computer programming, administrative and service processes, flowcharts can help explain processes in any industry.
Here are some of the main types of flowcharts used by businesses:
- Process flow diagrams:A process flow diagram illustrates the general flow of a process and the relationships between major components.
- Data flow diagram:A data flow diagram visualizes how data is processed in an information system from input to output.
- Workflow Diagram:Workflow diagrams illustrate the steps required to complete a task or run a process efficiently.
- Impulse flow diagrams:A banner flowchart visualizes various flows or categories of information to make roles and responsibilities clearer.
- Our I/As Flowchart:Yes/No flowcharts, also known as dichotomous keys, make it easy to visualize different paths based on yes/no decisions.
Now that you know the different types of flowcharts, it's time to familiarize yourself with the different shapes and symbols commonly used in flowcharts.
Your Guide to Flowchart Symbols
Before you start creating your flowchart, you should familiarize yourself with the different flowchart symbols and shapes.
By knowing what each shape means, you can create easy-to-understand flowcharts and avoid interpretation confusion.
Some of the most common flowchart shapes are:
Create your own flowchart in minutes!start for free
- Oval:An oval shape is also known as a terminator. Symbolizes the beginning or end of a process, which is why it is often used at the two end points of a flowchart.
- Seta:An arrow indicates the direction of process flow. For example, if your information flows from left to right, you can represent it with an arrow. You can also use two opposing arrows if information is flowing in both directions.
- Rectangle:A rectangular shape usually represents a task, operation or process. This is what you'll use for most of your flowcharts: it represents a multitasking process.
- Parallelogram:This shape represents input or output of data or information in a flowchart. Parallelograms are mostly used in data flow diagrams.
- Diamante:A diamond represents a decision in a flowchart and is mostly used in yes/no flowcharts or dichotomous keys.
30+ flowchart examples to inspire you
Need to create your own flowchart but don't know where to start? Don't worry, creating a flowchart doesn't have to be complicated.
First, we'll introduce you to a 7-step guidehow to create a flowchart. Second, we have 30+ unique flowchart examples to help get your creative juices flowing.
Once you've found the perfect flowchart example, use Visme to recreate your own version.flowchart creator.
Flowchart Example #1: Do You Have Imposter Syndrome?
A flowchart is the perfect decision-making tool to help you navigate complex issues or concepts. here we have a questionDo you have the Impostor Syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome is the name for the feeling that you're not good enough at something, or feeling like an imposter in an assigned job, even if (or especially if) you know what you're doing very well. in his work. work.
Helping people recognize if they have imposter syndrome can help them cope, hence this flowchart.
Not only does this flowchart help people determine if they have Imposter Syndrome, it also includes personality types based on each person's responses throughout the flowchart.
See if you can come up with your own version of this to engage your audience. Guide them through the flowchart until they have an answer/explanation for their answers.
Flowchart Example #2: Reach Your Audience
Although this is an older example, it still shows a great way to design your own flowchart.
The same old arrows and lines can get boring. To make your flowchart much more interesting, try to get creative with your paths. This graphic is a great example of this - the arrows flow freely and intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere.
Furthermore, arrows serve a functional purpose by directing the gaze more freely to their targets. Experiment with different types of paths, from a free-flowing style like this one to using elements other than traditional arrows and lines, and see what works for you.
Flowchart example #3: Sitemap flowchart
Flowcharts have many really useful uses, including identifying the correct flow of your site in a visual sitemap.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
Using the flowchart example notes above, you can easily create your own sitemap based on your site's navigation and the layout of each page. Use different shapes for different page layouts or page types to differentiate them.
Flowchart Example #4: Does This Content Format Work For You?
Your team has just started a newContent Marketing Strategy? If so, this flowchart example is perfect for you.
This flowchart example is simple and straightforward and can be easily replicated. We also love that each synopsis is more than just text, as it includes icons and visuals to make the overall flowchart more engaging.
Flowchart Example #5: Mobile SEO
Sometimes it helps to have additional information. However, if you add too much to the flowchart, it can get confusing. So if you want to give a little more information, try adding some notes at the end.
This mobile SEO flowchart is a good example: it includes "key points" at the end that help reinforce and build on the information already provided.
A word of caution:Adding too much can be just as confusing as putting the information on the graph, so choose what's most important.
Flowchart Example #6: Is it time to rethink your website?
Another important aspect of a comprehensive flowchart is itscolor combinations. A consistent color scheme is a great way to pull your flowchart together.
This example of how to redesign your website mainly uses blue, yellow and beige, which helps a lot with structuring. The color options also give it a professional and relaxed feel.
Experiment with colors and see which ones work best for your subject. Or, for simplicity, consider just using yourbrand colorsto increase overall awareness of your brand.
Flowchart Example #7: The Reality of My Creative Process
Not all flowcharts have a variety of different branches. Some follow a unique linear process from start to finish, as we see in this example.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
Think about how you could reuse an example or template like this to outline your own creative process or come up with something completely different to visualize.
Flowchart Example #8: Customer Journey to Buy Shoes
We love this example flowchart that creates an insightful flow of how a customer would navigate your site. In this case it is not a large current.
However, it's a good idea to create your own flowchart to show how customers would use your site to buy products or sign up for services. Make sure there are no feelings of disappointment or frustration throughout the process.
Register. It's free.Create your own easy-to-understand flowcharts.
Flowchart Example #9: Should You Hire an In-house Designer?
Do you need to do works for your company? This flowchart example, also a kind ofdichotomous key— guides users through yes-or-no questions until they arrive at the option that best suits their business and needs.
While all three are great options and may be a better fit for your business, we personally believe that using oneDIY-Designtool (like Visme)It's the best way to bring design into your home on a tight budget.
Flowchart example #10: How good is remarketing for search?
Flowcharts can even be used to compare different options, as we see in this example below. On the one hand, we show the process of search without remarketing versus search with remarketing and show that one option is obviously better than the other.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
You can easily do the same with your company's solutions and use them as a sales or marketing tool. Customize the template above with your own content to get started.
Flowchart Example #11: What Color Should Your Logo Be?
A fun and creative way to draw attention to your diagram is to use a metaphor. This example of choosing a color for your brand is a good example.
Describing his brand like a song, he uses metaphors to help him find the right brand color, making the subject more accessible and fun.
Flowcharts get a bad rap for being boring and dry visual content. By being creative with your flowchart, you will engage your users to interact with your brand.
Flowchart Example #12: Choosing the Best Platform for Virtual Meetings
This type of flowchart is perfect for businesses. Although sometimes you want to create acomparison infographic, this example is a great way to promote your service and purpose.
Consider how you can create a similar flowchart and use it to promote your service offerings and show how you differentiate yourself from the competition.
Flowchart Example #13: Should This Meeting Be an Email?
Not all flowcharts need to extract all the bells and whistles. In fact, you can create a really simple flowchart that still gets your message across, as we see in the example below.
It's the age-old question: Do you really need a meeting? Or could you just send an email or Slack message and be done with it?
Put together a flowchart for an equally infamous dilemma in your industry and see what kind of traction you can create.
Flowchart Example #14: Should I try to run advertising?
Flowcharts are also a great way to help you make decisions. In this example, we have some questions and answers about whether or not you should test display ads for your business.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
Also calledDecision tree or tree diagram, this type of flowchart can be very useful for your audience. Customize the template above to create your own version.
Sample flowchart #15: The best podcasts to listen to
Flowcharts like this example are great ways to promote your product or service. This flowchart would look great in the hands of Soundcloud or Spotify or any other popular podcast streaming service.
How can you use this for your business? The best shoes for a brunch outfit? The best series to binge watch? The best social media platforms for your content? The possibilities are endless.
Sample Flowchart #16: Choosing a Business Partner
Create a headline that really stands out, as seen in the example below. Your flowchart doesn't always have to be the star of the show.
We also love flowcharts that lead viewers to a solution at the end. This trading partner selection example does this well, including short snippets to describe each outcome.
Flowchart Example #17: The Content Creation Flow
Another great use case for a flowchart is to guide your viewers through a process. In this example, we see the content creation flow that takes users from inspiration to editing and fine-tuning an article.
Think about how to create flowcharts to demonstrate your own business processes and simplify how different tasks work.
You can also use process flowcharts like this one to share with customers and show how your business is helping to improve workflows and save time and money.
Example of Flowchart 18: Editorial Organization Chart
Flowcharts are also perfect for organizing a hierarchy, as seen in this graphic of a newsroom chief and everyone below him.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
This can be a great type of flowchart to include in aemployee handbookor onboarding document so new team members know who each person reports to on your team.
Consider creating organizational flowcharts for each department in your office. You can easily get started by customizing the template above.
Sample Flowchart #19: Dissertation Writing Services Workflow
A flowchart is also a great way to visualize a workflow. As we see in this example, the process is divided into sections based on who is responsible for which tasks.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
You can easily customize this template to visualize your own workflows in your company and share it with your team members.
Flowchart Example #20: Should Your Business Be on Pinterest?
An easy way to lose your audience is to create paths that are hard to follow. A flowchart is intended to clearly guide the viewer through different options; Without them, you can easily get lost and confuse others.
This flowchart that answers the question of whether your business should be on Pinterest is a wonderful example as it provides clean lines to direct the viewer's eye between each topic.
Flowchart Example #21: What Kind of Procrastinator Are You?
Humor is a great way to grab your audience's attention, and this procrastination quiz-like flowchart uses it to great effect.
Funny comments like “Deadlines?! Panic Procrastinators!” Drive down the road to determine what kind of procrastinator you are.Comments, along with the theme, make reading much more enjoyable and help the viewer to retain the information.
Flowchart Example #22: Payroll Process Flowchart
Important processes in your company such as Processes like Payroll should always be visualized with a process flowchart to ensure that no important steps are missed and that all employees are always paid on time.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
You can easily use the template above and customize it to suit your payroll process.Öshow a different process in your company.
Sample Flowchart #23: Clinical Research Career Path
Another way to make your flowchart stand out is to get creative with your line layouts. Bold lines, dotted lines, or even something that isn't really a line, as we see in this example with roads.
A flowchart does not have to fit in any particular drawer. As long as you guide viewers from one section to the next, you make an epic flowchart.
Sample flowchart #24: How to run a successful virtual meeting
The lines in your flowchart don't even need to move across the screen. As we see in this example, creating a straight line that guides the reader across the page in a specific order can be just as effective.
We also love how each section is broken down to explain when to accomplish each of the listed tasks.
Flowchart Example #25: Organizational Hierarchy Flowchart
We've already covered a small org chart example, but this hierarchical flowchart is even more creative. By portraying individual team members, this flowchart is anything but dry and boring.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
These illustrations here are actually available on Visme. We have a variety of different "people" icons and every element, right down to skin or shirt color, can be customized so you can visualize your own team members.
Flowchart Example #26: Dealing with a Toxic Boss?
Grab attention with really provocative or controversial topics or questions like these. As long as it's relevant to your business and the type of content you create, this is a great way to stand out with your flowcharts.
Also, use colors strategically throughout your flowchart. Red for negative options and green for positive options create a nice contrast between the options.
Example of Flowchart No. 27: Profit and Loss Account
Flowcharts can be incredibly useful, and this two-step example shows exactly why. Rather than creating two completely different processes, Albright IP gave viewers a starting point for two different options by combining the workflow.
Think about how you could implement this idea to spend less time creating useful flowcharts for your business.
Flowchart Example #28: What Kind of Pet Is Right for You?
While this example could be useful for a veterinary hospital or adoption center, not every flowchart needs to have a business use case. Think how to create fun flowcharts like this one to send around the office to motivate your employees or to share with your clients on social media for fun.
Customize this infographic template and make it your own!edit and download
You can even customize this exact template so you already have a starting point and inspiration for your next flowchart.
Flowchart Example #29 - Troubleshooting a WordPress Theme
The day-to-day issues of our work can cause the most frustration, so providing direct and helpful advice on these issues can save lives. Flowcharts that focus on these things, like this WordPress troubleshooting example, are extremely helpful in these situations.
Flowcharts have many different use cases, but creating a flowchart that helps your audience do or learn something is a win-win. Your audience will see you as a trusted resource.jyou will have helped them.
Flowchart Example #30: Should You Start Your Own Business?
Not all flowcharts need to include the default lines and shapes. This one has separate text between each arrow and instead uses symbols and illustrations to really drive its points home.
Think of the different ways you can visualize each of your steps or concepts. Use a tool like Visme that offers over 10,000 different types of symbols to decorate your flowchart layout.
Flowchart Example #31: Designing an Effective Virtual Meeting Agenda
Here's another creative flowchart design that really turns heads. We're talking about a meeting agenda, and this flowchart has essentially been transposed into a notepad illustration.
When it comes to graphic design, being creative in how you visualize your subject matter is key, and we love this example.
Get inspired by these flowchart examples
There are many different ways to use flowcharts effectively and we hope this list has inspired you. To create your own flowchart, you can get started with Visme for free.flowchart creatorand professionally designed templates.