Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharts use special shapes to represent different types of actions or steps in a process. Lines and arrows show the sequence of the steps, and the relationships among them. These are known as flowchart symbols.

The type of diagram dictates the flowchart symbols that are used. For example, a data flow diagram may contain an Input/Output Symbol (also known as an I/O Symbol), but you wouldn't expect to see it in most process flow diagrams.

Over the years, as technology has evolved, so has flowcharting. Some flowchart symbols that were used in the past to represent computer punchcards, or punched tape, have been relegated to the dustbin of history.

The terminator symbol marks the starting or ending point of the system. It usually contains the word "Start" or "End."

A box can represent a single step ("add two cups of flour"), or and entire sub-process ("make bread") within a larger process.

A printed document or report.

Represents multiple documents in the process.

A decision or branching point. Lines representing different decisions emerge from different points of the diamond.

Represents material or information entering or leaving the system, such as customer order (input) or a product (output).

Represents a step where a user is prompted to enter information manually.

Represents a set-up to another step in the process.

Indicates that the flow continues where a matching symbol (containing the same letter) has been placed.

Indicates that the process flow continues in more than two branches.

Indicates a point in the flowchart where multiple branches converge back into a single process.

Indicates a step where two or more sub-lists or sub-processes become one.

Indicates a step that orders information into a standard format.

Indicates a step that organizes a list of items into a sequence or sets based on some pre-determined criteria.

Indicates a sequence of actions that perform a specific task embedded within a larger process. This sequence of actions could be described in more detail on a separate flowchart.

Indicates a sequence of commands that will continue to repeat until stopped manually.

Indicates the point at which a loop should stop.

Indicates a delay in the process.

Indicates a step where data gets stored.

Indicates a list of information with a standard structure that allows for searching and sorting.

Indicates that information was stored in memory during a program, used in software design flowcharts.

Indicates a step that displays information.

Indicates that the process continues off page.