Flowcharts are visual diagrams that show the steps of a process from start to finish. They use standardized symbols like rectangles, diamonds, and arrows to represent actions, decisions, and flow of steps.
Flowcharts are extremely useful for documenting processes, analyzing workflows, brainstorming improvements, and efficiently communicating complex information.
Google Docs has a built-in drawing tool that allows you to easily create flowcharts without any additional software. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for making a flowchart in Google Docs.
Benefits of Using Flowcharts
Here are some of the key reasons you should use flowcharts:
- Visualize complex processes – Simplify complicated workflows down to a high-level overview that’s easy to understand.
- Identify inefficiencies – Easily spot bottlenecks, redundancies, and other issues to target for optimization.
- Improve team communication – Align stakeholders on processes through a standardized, visual diagram.
- Document processes – Create an artifact of your workflow for training and reference.
- Plan workflow changes – Model and visualize proposed modifications to processes.
How to Make a Flowchart in Google Docs
Follow these simple steps to create a flowchart directly within Google Docs:
1. Open the Google Docs Drawing Tool
- Open an existing Google Doc or create a new blank document.
- Click Insert > Drawing > + New to open the drawing tool.
2. Add Flowchart Symbols
- Select the shape tool (circle/square icon).
- Click the flowchart symbols you need and arrange them on the canvas.
3. Connect Symbols with Arrows
- Use the line tool to draw arrows between symbols to indicate flow and sequence.
- Format arrows to your liking (color, style, etc).
4. Add Text to Symbols
- Click inside a symbol and type relevant text.
- Customize fonts, sizes, colors, etc.
5. Finalize and Save Flowchart
- Make final edits and modifications as needed.
- Click Save and close to add the finished flowchart into your Doc.
Flowchart Symbols and Meanings
These are the most common flowchart symbols and their meanings:
- Oval – Represents the start or end points of a process.
- Rectangle – Illustrates a process step or task to be completed.
- Diamond – Indicates a decision point with different possible paths.
- Arrow – Shows the order and direction process steps follow.
See a full guide to flowchart symbols and meanings for more shapes and examples.
Tips for Great Flowcharts
Follow these best practices when making your flowcharts:
- Start processes at the top and have them flow downward.
- Use horizontal swimlanes to divide steps by department or person.
- Keep text brief within symbols.
- Show branching conditionally with decision diamonds.
- Validate accuracy with process owners.
- Use color coding and icons for visual organization.
- Include a legend if needed to define chart elements.
Applications of Flowcharts
Some examples of using flowcharts for process mapping include:
Business Workflows
Map out business processes like:
- New customer onboarding
- Order fulfillment
- Invoice generation
- IT help desk ticket workflow
Software Workflows
Document software processes such as:
- User sign up
- Purchase checkout flow
- App feature workflows
- Website navigation flows
Project Workflows
Visually plan workflows for projects like:
- Content creation process
- Product development roadmap
- Marketing campaign steps
- Project management milestones
Advantages of Google Docs for Flowcharts
Here’s why Google Docs is a great choice for making flowcharts:
- Easy and fast – Intuitive built-in tools with no learning curve.
- Real-time collaboration – Multiple people can edit the flowchart together.
- Accessible – Charts are available across devices from any location.
- Free – No added software costs to create diagrams.
- Integrated – Flowcharts live right inside your other Docs for easy reference.
- Shareable – Simple to distribute charts to stakeholders.
So in summary, flowcharts help you visualize complex workflows using standardized symbols, Google Docs provides free and easy diagramming capabilities, and flowcharts have a wide variety of applications for process improvement and communication.
Follow the step-by-step guidance to start mapping out your business processes, software flows, project plans, and more using Google Docs today!
