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10+ Flow Chart Templates in Word
A business usually has so many activities that need to be handled and improved that most people find it difficult to understand the process of doing so. They’ll need something that will help guide them step-by-step to ensure that they’re able to do and finish every activity the way that they’re expected to.
That’s why the majority of businesses provide their employees with a flow chart which provides a visual representation of what should be done. This article will teach you all that you need to know in regards to how you can properly create a flow chart.
Elements of a Flow Chart
1. Flow Chart Symbols: You’ll need to provide symbols to designate every step or action that has to be performed in the chart template. Each and every one of these symbols will need detailed descriptions of the things that need to be done. For example, a circular symbol within a work flowchart could say something like: “Compile all work-related documents”.
2. Decision Diamonds: Any complex processes should have alternative paths. What these paths are will depend on the conditions that have been met. Basically, there are processes wherein you might have a choice of doing two different actions after finishing one. These decision points should be indicated by diamond-shaped symbols.
3. Ordering Indicators: The point of the flow chart is to point out the beginning of the process and the steps that need to be followed until the end. That is why it is important that there are order indicators which tell readers everything that needs to be done in the proper order. Arrows are always used to point the direction towards the next step. Sometimes a decision point requires returning to an earlier step. Should that be the case, the arrow will need to loop back to the appropriate earlier symbol.
10+ Flow Chart Templates in Word
Business Flow Chart Sample
Blank Flow Chart Template
Free Company Flowchart Template
Event Flowchart Sample
Free Marketing Flowchart
Free Process Flowchart Template
Project Flow Chart Example
Sales Flowchart Template
Simple Flow Chart Sample
Task Flow Chart Template
How to Make a Flow Chart
1. Open Microsoft Word: If you’re going to make a flow chart in Word format, then the best program for you to use would no doubt be Microsoft Word. Know that there are other alternatives to choose from, but that Microsoft Word is the easiest and simplest to use out of all of them. Once you have it installed or if you already have it, then here’s what you will need to do:
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the File tab and select New.
- Decide whether you would like to start from a template or a blank document.
You may use the same process should you wish to make more flow charts or if you want to start creating other types of documents in Word.
2. Create your flow chart: Next is for you to start knowing how you should go about in actually creating your flow chart. Make sure that you are able to do the following:
- Add shapes: When using Microsoft Word, know that you have two options: SmartArt or Shapes. Begin by going to the Insert tab within the Ribbon and then you may choose either option. SmartArt graphics are pre-made collections of shapes within a gallery while the shapes tool provides a basic selection of shaped objects. You can choose either one when making your flow chart.
- Add text: Add text to a SmartArt graphic by clicking the filler text and begin typing. Take note that the shape and font will automatically resize depending on the amount of text that you add. If you’re using the Shape tool, then add the text by simply double-clicking the object. To customize the font, use the toolbox that pops up when you select the shape that you wish to add text to.
- Add lines: To draw lines between shapes, click Insert > Shapes and then you can select your line style. Once you’re done with that, you may then click and drag on the page to make the line.
Tips for Making a Flow Chart
- Make your flow chart stand out: As you’re making your flow chart in Word, then you’ll want it to stand out enough so that the reader’s eyes can easily figure out the flow. This means that you’ll need to do a bit of formatting once everything before it’s finished. You should go with shape sizes that will make the text visible for readers but not to the point where the shapes take up too much space. Go through samples of flow charts to give you an idea.
- Provide each shape with color: You don’t want a flow chart with bland and colorless shapes as that’s not exactly visually enticing. So you’ll want to add some color into them to make them look more appealing. You can even provide color coding that will point out what part of the process a certain shape is or how complex it may be.
Types of Flow Charts
- Work Flow chart
- Task Flow Chart
- Activity Flow Chart
- Training Flow Chart
- Sales Flow Chart
- Process Flow Chart
- Project Flow Chart
If you want to learn more about the different types of flow charts you can create, then all you have to do is to go through our site to find the articles you need.
Flow Chart FAQs
What are subprocesses within flow charts?
Sometimes complex processes are broken down into smaller sub-processes to make them clearer for the reader. So it’s possible that a flow chart may contain multiple subprocesses to ensure that things are clear.
How are flowcharts used in most businesses?
Again, remember that a flow chart’s main purpose is to point out the step-by-step process of tasks and/or activities. A business has many different types of tasks and activities that employees need to finish. So to ensure that they know exactly how they need to be done, they are provided with flow charts as a visual representation of the process.
What is the easiest way to make a flow chart?
The easiest known way of making one is through the use of a simple flow chart template. Since there are many different types of flow charts, there will be just as many templates that you can choose from. Just choose the one that you want to use and then make whatever changes you think are necessary.
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