How To Create A Flowchart In Microsoft

How to Make a Flowchart in Word^®

Add A Flowchart in Word using SmartArt

To make a flowchart in Word, start by selecting the Insert tab. Click SmartArt and choose "Process". This will insert a basic three-step process into your document.

There are a few different styles to choose from. Pick one that best fits your presentation or reporting needs. You can always change your mind and change the style of your entire flowchart after the fact.

Flowchart Microsoft Word smartart

Add New Shapes

Add shapes by clicking the Add Shape button.

By default, Add Shape will just add a shape after the shape currently selected.

To add shapes in other directions, use the options in the drop down menu under Add Shape. You can add shapes, before, below, and above the currently selected shape.

Add flowchart shape in Word

Add and Edit Text

Add text to any shape, by first selecting it and then typing. You can also add text, by right-clicking and choosing to Edit Text.

You can change text weight, size, and effects in the Format tab or in the Font pop-up menu accessed from the right-click menu options. Double-clicking on any shape with text, will also bring up a shortened version of text editing options.

Insert text into flowchart in Word

Adding a Decision Symbol and Other Shapes

By default, a SmartArt flowchart is very basic. You get a series of rectangular boxes or actions in a row. If you need to introduce different types of shapes to denote decisions, inputs, or some other common process steps, you'll have to do a little more work.

Add the default rectangle shape and select it. From the right-click menu choose Change Shape or click the Format tab and select Change Shape to choose a new shape type like a diamond or parallelogram.

Change the shape of a flowchart symbol in Word

Moving Beyond Simple Flowcharts to Complex Flowcharts

SmartArt is great for adding a very simple flowchart to Word with only a few steps. If you need to visualize a more complex process with multiple decision points and steps, consider using the a dedicated flowchart tool.

SmartDraw can help you build a complex flowchart without any of the manual hassles. SmartDraw's shapes are smart. If you add a decision symbol, you'll automatically get two arrows pointing to two different steps denoting the split in the flow.

Complex flowchart

Make a Flowchart in SmartDraw for Word

Start by opening a flowchart template and adding shapes using the SmartPanel to the left of your drawing area.

Move, delete, add shapes and your flowchart will expand automatically.

Use the arrow keys to control the direction of how your flowchart grows. Add split paths and different flowchart symbols using the attached flowchart symbol library.

Create a complext flowchart in SmartDraw easily