Flowcharts are a universal language in the world of business, engineering, software development, and various other fields. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive dictionary of flowchart icons, helping you decipher the Flow Chart Icons meanings and enhance your flowcharting skills.
Dictionary: Flow Chart Icons Meaning
Flow Chart Icons serve as a visual representation of processes, making complex procedures easier to understand. At the core of every flowchart are its icons, which symbolize specific actions, decisions, or steps. Here is a dictionary of the meanings of flowchart symbols:
Basic symbols
Terminator / Oval
The oval shape, called the terminator, is used to represent the start and end of a process in a flowchart. You can easily add this shape using the Gliffy flowchart tool. Remember to use the same symbol again to indicate the completion of your flowchart.
Process Icon / Rectangle
The rectangle symbol is commonly used in flowchart diagrams to represent process steps, such as tasks or actions in a process. It serves as a versatile tool for capturing various stages of a workflow.
Flow, Position / Arrows
Illustrates the flow of the process from one step to another. Connect icons to show the sequence of actions in your flowchart.
Decision Icon / The Diamond
Indicates a branching point where a decision needs to be made. Use it to represent a choice or conditional statement in your flowchart.
Document Symbols
Single Document
Multiple Document
Represents documentation or record-keeping. Use it to indicate where documents or records are generated or required.
Data Symbols
Stored Data
The Diamond
Paper Tape
Internal Storage
Data symbols are used in flowcharts to indicate the storage location of the referenced data. While the paper tape symbol is not commonly used nowadays, it was a valuable tool in the past.
Merging & Connecting Symbols
Merge
Used when seperate Flows joined together
Off-Page Connector
Show that the flow continues on the next page
Connector
Display flow across multiple charts
Input/Output
added or pulled data from the flow
Input & Output Symbols
Manual Operation
Manual adjustments to the flowchart
Manual Input
Manual entered data
Display
Information shown to the user
Input/Output
added or pulled data from the flow
Additional Useful Flowchart Symbols
Subroutine
Manual adjustments to the flowchart
Loop Limit
Beginning or end of
a repeating step in the shown process
Delay
Defines a waiting time in the flowchart
Collate
Compares different conditions with each other
Direct Access
Direct Access to the Data
And
Further in the process when two conditions are true
Preperation
A process is being prepared
Switch
On/Off
Conclusion: Flow Chart Icons Meaning
Flowchart icons are the building blocks of effective process visualization. Understanding the Flow Chart Icons Meanings is essential for creating clear and comprehensible flowcharts. By using this comprehensive dictionary as a reference, you can confidently decode and create flowcharts that communicate complex processes with ease. Whether you’re a project manager, programmer, or business analyst, mastering flowchart icons is a valuable skill that can enhance your ability to convey information and make informed decisions in your field.
Overview: Flow Chart Icons Meaning
An overview of more than 40 flow chart icons meanings to help you interpret flowcharts.
You can access all Flow Chart icons for free. They are part of the IconUncle SVG icon library with over 12,000 consistent icons that help you create visually consistent flow charts and infographics. All icons can also be used directly in PowerPoint with the free PowerPoint icon add-in.
