#Online flowcharting tool how to#

Add shapesĪs an example, we will be creating a flowchart out of this guide. In this example, the rectangle is for a process or action. If you hover your mouse over a flowchart symbol, you’ll see what it’s used for. If you’re not familiar with the different shapes and what they represent, mouse over an object, and hover text will appear indicating its function. The Google flowchart tools can be found at the bottom half of the Shapes menu. You’ll find the different flowcharting shapes at the bottom half of the menu. To see the different flowcharting objects, on the drawing toolbar, click on the Shapes tool (icon with the circle and square to the left of the boxed “T”), then select “Shapes” from the list of options. To open the built-in Google draw tool, click on the Insert menu, hover your mouse over the “Drawing” option, and then click on “+ New.” Image source: AuthorĪ blank drawing canvas will appear on top of your Google document.Ī blank drawing canvas will pop up over your Google document when you click on “+ New” from the Insert > Drawing menu. To do that, click on 'Insert' from the menu bar on top, hover your mouse over the “Drawing” option, and click on “+ New.” We will be using Google Docs’ diagramming tool to create a flowchart. If your flowchart is horizontal, go to the File tab on the menu bar, select “Page setup,” then choose “Landscape” to change the page’s orientation from portrait to landscape. To start creating a flowchart, go to Google Drive and open a new Google Docs document. An untitled document will open in a new tab. Image source: AuthorĪlternatively, navigate to, sign in, click on the “+ New' button on the top left-hand side, and select “Google Docs” from the menu options. Select the “Blank” document option to open a new Google document. Sign in and open a blank Google document. Open a Google documentĭo that by entering into your address bar. Now that we’re ready to make a flowchart, let’s dive in. With its built-in drawing tool, not only can you write and format text documents but you can also design a custom flowchart - and even a Google Docs project timeline. Google Docs is a versatile project collaboration application. Image source: Author Using Google Docs to create a flowchart The different flowchart symbols and what they’re used for. But if you want your chart to include more detail, the screenshot below shows different flowcharting symbols, from basic to advanced. Generally, flowlines and rectangular blocks are all you need to create a simple flowchart. ArrowsĪrrows or flowlines indicate the direction of the process or the flow of control. The decision symbol is represented by a rhombus or a diamond. Based on the answers to those questions, the process or algorithm will flow in two separate directions. This is where decisions go, which are typically yes/no or true/false questions. Examples include “turn on the monitor,” “feed the dog,” “play Netflix,” or “send to the approving manager.” Decision It’s the part of a flowchart that involves action and is rectangular in shape.

Flowchart starts and ends are represented by a rounded rectangle or the terminal symbol. Start/endĮvery flowchart has a start, but certain flowcharts don’t have an end.

#Online flowcharting tool how to#

The different parts of a flowchart, symbols, and shapesīefore we launch into a discussion of how to create a flowchart in Google Docs, let’s first touch on the most commonly used parts of a flowchart. You may create flowcharts using a dedicated flowchart tool or diagram software, such as Microsoft Visio or Lucidchart, but Google Docs is also an option you should check out.

Analysis: Because the process flow is mapped out from beginning to end, it’s easier to pinpoint where bottlenecks are likely to occur, enabling project managers to refine the project management plan accordingly.

Communication: Flowcharts show how complex processes are done using easy-to-understand diagrams.

Coordination: Flowcharting enhances team collaboration and eliminates unnecessary work because everyone knows the sequence of events.

Clarity: Team members can better visualize the project management steps to take throughout the project’s life cycle.

When used as project management visual aids, flowcharts accomplish several things: Engineers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth are said to be the first to use the flowchart to document process flow in 1921.

Here, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a flowchart using the built-in drawing tool in Google Docs.įlowcharts, which are schematics that use symbols and shapes instead of actual pictures to depict a process, workflow, or algorithm, have been around for decades. A flowchart is a visual tool that graphically depicts a process or a workflow.