A Flowchart is the graphical representation of the series of steps that are to be taken in order to solve a problem. It depicts a process or the flow of execution of a process. It is widely used in problem-solving techniques. A flowchart shows where the execution of a program will start and where it ends. In a flowchart, we use different shapes to depict different steps in the process. The most basic shapes include:

• Oval：
  Used to represent the start or end of the process.
• Rectangle：
  Used to represent a step in the process.
• Diamond：
  Shows a condition or the decision point.
• Parallelogram：
  Shows the input or the output of a step.
• Arrows：
  Tells the direction of the flow from one step to another.

There are some more shapes that are used for particular purposes. You can make a flowchart using any application that allows you to work with the shapes. Although many applications could be used for this purpose, MS Word is the best. If you know how to make a flowchart in Word, it becomes really easy for you to explain it with textual explanation, and you won't need any other application to work through it. So, in this article, you will learn how to create a flowchart in MS Word. Stay tuned and keep learning!

Part 1: How to Make a Flowchart in Word?

MS Word is a word processing software widely used to create documents in the Windows operating system. Besides creating documents, it lets you work with different shapes, edit pictures, draw charts and graphs, and much more. While documenting a project, you can easily explain the process by creating a flowchart in MS Word without using any other tool. Here is how to do a flowchart in Word:

Method 1: How to Make a Flowchart in Word with Shapes?

To create a flowchart in Word using shapes, follow these steps:

• STEP 1：
  First off, open MS Word and go to the View tab.
• STEP 2：
  

  Turn the Gridlines on by checking the checkbox as shown in the picture: The gridlines, wil help you to better place the shapes in the Flowchart.

  
• STEP 3：
  Now go to the Insert tab, and click on Shapes to view the available shapes:
• STEP 4：
  Start adding shapes as per your need. As stated earlier, a basic flowchart contains a few shapes such as a rectangle, oval, parallelogram, arrows, and diamond.
• STEP 5：
  Format the shapes through Shape Format Tab. Add text to them to elaborate on the steps. You can give different colors and effects to the shapes and text to make your Flowchart more attractive and exciting.
• STEP 6：
  

  Now that your Flowchart is complete, disable the Gridlines by going to View Tab and unchecking the checkbox in front of them to make it more visible.

  

Now that you know how to create a Flowchart in Word using shapes, you can use it to elaborate on any process in your professional or personal life.

Method 2: How to Create a Flowchart in Word with SmartArt

SmartArt is another way of creating a flowchart in MS Word without much effort. It lets you depict the information in pre-defined graphs; however, you can edit those graphs as per your need. If you are new to MS Word, you might wonder where is SmartArt in Word? You will find it on the Insert tab below the Shapes tool, as shown in the picture:

Its position may vary based on the operating system or the Office version that you are using. Once you find it, follow the following steps to make a flowchart using SmartArt:

Note: Following these steps will also help you learn how to use SmartArt in Word.

• STEP 1：
  Go to Insert Tab -> SmartArt -> Select Process:
• STEP 2：
  Choose the SmartArt that suits your requirements the most.
• STEP 3：
  Format the SmartArt elements by going to the SmartArt Design tab. You can edit the SmartArt shapes, colors, and themes from this tab. You can also add different effects to make your Flowchart more interesting.
• STEP 4：
  

  If you need to add more shapes in the SmartArt flowchart, you can do that in SmartArt Design Tab as follows:

  1. Click on Add Shapes:

  

  2. Choose where you want to add the new shape. Add Shape Before adds the new shape before the selected element. Add shape After adds the new shape after the selected element.

• STEP 5：
  

  Once you have added all the shapes, it is time to add text to them. You can add text simply by clicking on the shapes one by one.

  

  You can also add text through Text Pane in the SmartArt Design tab.

  

  To format the text, go to the Home tab, select the shape whose text you want to format, and change the font family, font size, color, etc. as per your liking.

  

  Once you have followed the above steps, your Flowchart will be ready to be shown to others.

Part 2: Best Way to Create a Flowchart with PDNob Mind Map

PDNob is the best flowchart maker and online mind mapping tool that you can use easily to depict your ideas and thoughts visually. It contains all the tools to create a flowchart, such as different shapes, associations, text formats, etc. Here is the best way to create a flowchart using PDNob:

Step 1

Adding and using Shapes:

After logging into the account, click on Add New -> flowchart -> Add New:

Select Shapes from the left shape library and drag them into the canvas. If you do not find your required shape, you can search for it, as shown in the latter picture.

Step 2

Format the Shapes:

Select any shape you added to the canvas. You will see the Style option becomes enabled.

Click on Style. You can set the fill color, line color, borders, and other options in this option.

Click on Text. You can change the font settings in this tab.

To reset the position of the shapes or bring the overlapping shapes in front, go to the Arrange tab.

Step 3

Add Connectors:

After adding all the shapes and text, it is time to add the associations. To add associations, check the Connection Point in the right toolbar, select a shape and drag a connector to another shape.

This is the simplest yet best flowchart creator online. PDNob provides 20 built-in flowchart styles you can use just by selecting and customizing.

Part 3: Tips for Flowchart Making

Making a flowchart is an exciting task, but if your Flowchart is not attractive or meaningful enough, no one is going to use it. So, for your help, here are 5 tips for making a functional and meaningful flowchart:

• 1.Manage the consistency in the design elements. Try to use the same shape for the same kind of step; the shapes' size, colors, spacing, and alignment must be the same.
• 2.Manage everything on a single page. Keep your Flowchart on a single page, or the user will be confused.
• 3.The direction of the Flowchart should be left to right or top to bottom. There should not be any diagonal associations between elements.
• 4.Instead of using the decision symbol, try to split the paths as your user might not understand the meaning behind specific symbols in the Flowchart.
• 5.Keep the direction of the Flowchart conventional, i.e., the return lines should be placed below the Flowchart rather than above it.