Process charts in word

Managers, system analysts, programmers, and engineers adopted flowcharts as a mean of
communication for describing:

• Document workflows
• Data flows
• System operation flows
• Algorithms

No wonder that building blocks and rules of flow charts were standardized by the American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Organization for Standards (ISO)
more than 50 years ago. The current standard defines the drawing direction from top to
bottom and left to right and specific symbols for different types of entities, actions,
etc. E.g.:

You can find all these shapes and other useful visual elements in the Shapes
dropdown list on the Insert tab of Microsoft Word.

The flowchart above is «cross-functional» and defines the responsibility zones of
different business units.

To create a diagram like the one above, follow the next steps (we recommend to check the
tip how to easily organize shapes in
Word,
which demonstrates easy tricks to simplify the drawing routine):

Add the drawing canvas

The drawing canvas is an essential element for the flow chart that you need to add before
adding the flow shapes because of flowchart connectors. You can add flowcharts connectors
only between the shapes within the drawing canvas:

   1.   On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click
Shapes:

   2.   On the Shapes list, in the bottom, choose New Drawing
Canvas:

Word adds the new drawing canvas to your flow chart:

Draw the flowchart blocks

   3.   On the Shapes list, in the Flowchart group,
select the block you want to add:

   4.   To add text to the selected shape, just double-click in it and enter
the text.

Connect the flowchart blocks by connectors

   5.   To connect shapes, do the following:

• On the Insert tab, in the Illustrations group, click in the Shapes list and
  then select one of the connectors in the Lines group:

  

• Select the beginning point on the border of the first shape (source) and the ending
  point on the edge of the second shape (target):

  

For more customizations of shapes and connectors, see
how to change format of
diagram shapes in Word
and
how to change flowchart shapes
or
how to change connector
type for flowchart.

Top-to-down flowcharts are perfect for the Portrait page orientation in Microsoft word. For
the Landscape page orientation or the PowerPoint presentation, the preferred layout is
left-to-right. Sometimes left-to-right flow diagrams with delimited borders of organization unit
activities are called Swimlane diagrams or Swimlane flowcharts.

See also this tip in French:
Comment créer un organigramme des opérations dans Word.

You can automatically add diagram content, including shapes and metadata, into a Word document by using the Export to Word feature. Then use the document as the basis for process guidelines and operation manuals. For example:

• A support specialist has a service request process map with details about departments, owners, and task schedules. She creates an operating manual with the Word document.

• A recruiter has an organization chart with shape metadata, such as current headcounts, open positions, and team budgets. He sends an ad hoc report using the Word document to management.

• A business analyst updates a process diagram, based on imported data, that has KPIs, such as cost, duration, and status, depicted as data graphics. Each month, she uploads the Word document to OneDrive to share with stakeholders.

Note: This feature is only available to users with Visio Plan 2. If you’re not sure what version of Visio you’re using, click File > Account > About Visio. If you are an IT professional managing the Microsoft 365 update process, check out the channel releases page to learn which updates are provided in each channel.

Export the Visio diagram to a Word document

1. Make sure your diagram has shapes with text and some shapes have shape data.

2. If you have a multi-page diagram, select the page you want. This feature exports only one page at a time.

3. On the Process tab, in the Export group, select Word.

   You can also export to a Word document by clicking File > Export > Create Word Document > Create Document.

4. If you want, customize the Word document from the Export to Word pane.

   Preview
   Tab

   • To exclude a shape and its metadata from the Word document, right click the snippet and then select Exclude from output.

   • To reorder a snippet, select it, and then select the up and down arrows. A snippet is a portion of a diagram that is targeted for exporting to a document.

     

     Note: When you select a snippet in the Preview tab, the shape is highlighted in the diagram. When you select a snippet on the diagram, the snippet is highlighted in the Preview tab.

   Settings
   Tab

   • Shape Properties

     • To change the order in which the properties appear in the Word document, select the property and then select the up and down arrows.

       

     • To add a blank table row in the Word document for each empty property, select Include blank properties.

     • To export hyperlinks in the shape properties to the Word document, select Hyperlinks.

     For more information, see Add data to shapes.

   • Shape Exclusion

     • To add shape connectors to the Word document, clear Exclude connectors.

     • To document shapes with no shape text, clear Exclude shapes without shape text.

     • To include data graphics with the snippets, clear Exclude Data graphic.

       For more information, see Data graphics, an overview.

   • Snippet Transparency

     • To emphasize a shape in a snippet, set the transparency level higher for its connections and connected shapes.

5. At the top of the Export to Word pane, select Export.

Results    The Word document is created. You can modify it to fit your needs. At a minimum, we recommend the following:

• To automatically update company name, title, and author information, select File > Info > Properties, select the down arrow next to Properties, select Advanced Properties, and then edit the corresponding information.

• To update the Table of Contents, place the insertion point under Contents, and then select Update Table.

  For more information, see Create a table of contents in Word.

Feedback or bugs?

Tell us how to improve the feature! Email us your feedback on Visio process documents in Word.

See also

Create a PowerPoint presentation from Visio

Flowcharts are designed to produce actionable information for any workflow, process, or decision-making procedure. Yet, we spend most of our time creating abandoned flowcharts instead of using them as interactive workflow diagrams.

If you’re strapped for time and want to get the ideas circling in your head down quickly, use the free Introduction to Whiteboards template by ClickUp to add content to the pre-built Flow Chart.

You’ll have a flowchart ready in half the time it takes to build one in Microsoft Word!

How to Make a Flowchart in Word: Prep for Success

In this tutorial, we use Microsoft Excel for Mac Version 16.60. The steps and features may look different if you’re on another version.

There are two ways to create a flowchart in Word (and we’ll cover them both)!

1. Using a pre-built SmartArt process graphic

2. Building a flowchart illustration from scratch

Before you start adding your content and shapes, write out your process in a list from start to finish. This will help you move faster later through the build process because you’ll already have the exact number of steps and placeholders. 

Unless you’re using a whiteboard tool like ClickUp, please don’t attempt to coordinate the steps and build your flowchart symbols at the same time! You’ll be lost in the menu bar correcting mistakes. Microsoft Word is not built to work at the speed of thought. 

Here’s what a simple process list would look like to submit a team offsite request: 

1. Manager submits Offsite Request Form (start)
2. Operations Coordinator reviews Offsite Form (process)
3. SVP of Operations approves the Offsite Request Form (process)
4. Operations Coordinator opens a project (end)

Because you’ve outlined each step of the process, you’re off to a great start! If you prefer using a pre-built SmartArt graphic, follow the next steps below.

Version 1: Building a Flowchart in Word With a SmartArt Graphic

Step 1. Add a SmartArt graphic

First, change the page layout to give more room left to right for the flowchart. Go to the Layout tab > Orientation > and select Landscape. 

Then, copy your process list and go to the Insert tab > SmartArt > Process, and select the chart of your choice. (Our example is using the Repeating Bending Process process chart.)

Step 2. Paste your process list in the Text Pane window

After you click on the process chart, it will appear in your Word document. Paste the process list you copied into the Text Pane window. If you don’t see the Text Pane window, make sure the SmartArt graphic is highlighted. Then go to the SmartArt Design tab at the top and click Text Pane at the far left. 

Step 3. Format your flowchart

Use the SmartArt Design tab to change the color, update the flowchart symbol styles, and add more shapes to complete your graphic! If the SmartArt Design tab isn’t showing on your menu bar, double-check the flowchart is highlighted.

And that’s how you build a flowchart with SmartArt!

Version 2: Building a Flowchart in Word With Basic Symbols

Step 1. Add shapes for each process step

Go to the Insert tab > Shapes > Flowchart > select a shape > click anywhere in your document to add. 

Tip: Here’s a quick table of the different flowchart symbols to use for powerful visualization:

Step 2. Customize your shapes 

Typically, editing the shape’s color and size happens at the end. But because it takes multiple clicks to add shapes in Word, you should format your ideal shapes and use the copy and paste feature to duplicate them. 

Go to the Shape Format tab, and the menu bar will adjust to show all the changes you can make to the shapes. Once you have your perfect shape, copy and paste it as many times as you need! 

Step 3. Add text inside each flowchart symbol

We want to add text inside the shapes, so let’s make them bigger! Select one of the shapes > hold the Command or Shift key > select the other shapes > go to a shape’s corner and drag to expand. Click on a shape and begin typing in each step until all the shapes are filled with text. 

Step 4. Add the arrows to connect each process step

We’re almost there! With your shapes in place, it’s time to connect the sequence of events. Go to the Insert tab > Shapes > Lines > and click the Arrow.

Tip: You can customize the arrow’s shape and color under the Shape Format tab! Make sure the arrow is selected first to make any changes. Then, copy and paste the arrow to add it again for your other process steps. 

Whew. All that work inside Microsoft Word didn’t leave much time and energy for what comes after the flowchart—taking action towards progress. 

If you’re looking to upgrade your tools and software for a powerful visual platform to create, test, edit, and collaborate with your team, try ClickUp!

• How to Make a Calendar in Word
• How to Make a Timeline in Word
• How to Make a Mind Map in Word
• How to Create a Fillable Form in Word
• How to Make a Gantt Chart in Word
• What is a Process Map?

Build Interactive Flowcharts in Minutes With ClickUp

No code or design experience required! 

The majority of your time spent in Word is formatting. And while formatting is important for visual balance and presentation, it won’t matter if no one—including you—uses the flowchart to move the needle in the process or project. 

Microsoft Word is a powerful software program for creating almost anything. But it’s just not efficient in a modern workplace where remote and in-office collaboration has its challenges and benefits.

And chances are, your team members won’t volunteer their time to co-create a flowchart in Word. The software has too many options and steps to achieve one purpose. 

What your tasks and team members need is an all-in-one productivity platform to organize ideas and work. 

A suite of designer-approved templates to boost productivity and collaboration.

A zoomable canvas to bring ideas and views to life. 

If you’ve ever been curious about whiteboard software or ClickUp, we hope you take advantage of our free Whiteboards and test drive the platform with your next project or idea!

ClickUp Whiteboards will be your favorite drawing canvas to rapidly develop flowcharts and frameworks. All the shapes you need are semi-customized to relieve you from creating each object from the ground up. Use Whiteboards for presentations, team brainstorming workshops, or solo projects!

With Whiteboards, you also have the option to save your flowchart as an image and drop it into a document or email. It’s easy! Here’s how it works: 

1. Create your flowchart in a ClickUp Whiteboard

2. Right-click the image

3. Select Save Image As

Drop it into your file, and you’re good to go! If you want to see Whiteboards in action, check out our guide below! 

A diagram is worth a thousand words, especially if you’re trying to explain a process. And if you know how to make a flowchart in Word, you don’t need a different diagram-creation tool. You can make the flowchart right inside Microsoft Word, no programming or design skills required.

A flowchart is a graphical representation of a series of steps or actions. It’s most effective for depicting a process, data flow, workflow, or decision steps. In a flowchart, each shape holds a meaning. The most basic ones are:

• Oval (or pill shape). Start or end of the process.
• Rectangle. Action or sub-process. 
• Diamond. Decision point.
• Parallelogram. Either an input needed for the process, or an output that goes into the next step.

Other shapes are used in flowcharts for very specific applications like data flow diagrams. But the above basic flowchart symbols should be enough for the most common charts. Whether you need just the basics or specialized shapes, you can find them in Word.

In this tutorial, I walk you step-by-step through how to make a flowchart in Microsoft Word using basic shapes. Word offers two ways to create a flowchart. Use the method that lets you make the flowchart you envision.

Note: For this tutorial, I used Microsoft Word for Mac version 16. If you’re using a different version of the application, the interface and steps may be different.

Method One: Create a Flowchart in Word With Shapes

The first way to create a flowchart in Word is by inserting shapes in your document. Here’s what to do:

1. Display Gridlines

Before getting started, make sure to switch on gridlines. This will make it much easier for you to create a nice-looking flowchart. Aside from showing you guide lines, when gridlines are on, shapes and lines snap to regular spaces, making it easy to align elements.

To switch on the gridlines, go to View > Gridlines.

2. Create the Flowchart Shapes

Now you’re ready to start inserting shapes. Go to Insert > Shapes. The shapes menu appears. Scroll down to the Flowchart shapes. If you hover over any shape, a tip-tool appears, letting you know what the shape means. Click on the shape you wish to use. 

The cursor turns into a crosshair. Click and drag the crosshair to create the shape to the size you want.

3. Format the Flowchart Shapes

Use the options on the Shape Format ribbon to format the shape’s fill color, border, and other attributes.

4. Add text inside the flowchart shapes.

To add text inside a flowchart shape, first select the shape. Then, start typing. The text will appear inside the selected shape.

5. Format the Text

If you wish to format the text inside a shape, select the shape. Under the Home tab, use the formatting options to select the font, font size, and other attributes.

Repeat the previous steps to create all the shapes you need for your flowchart. Use the gridlines to arrange them on your document.

6. Add the Flowchart Connectors

Next, you’re going to want to connect the shapes with lines or arrows.

To insert an arrow, go to Insert > Lines. The lines menu opens. Click on the line you wish to use.

Under the Shape Format tab, use the options to format the connector.

When the line is formatted as you like, set it as a default line. That way Word will use the same formatting settings for the next lines you create, and you won’t have to keep formatting each one.

To set a line as the default line, right-click on it, then select Set as Default Line.

Repeat until you’ve inserted, formatted, and arranged all the connectors you need. 

4. Insert More Text

You may find that you need text outside of the shapes in your flowchart.

To add text, go to Insert > Text Box. Click and drag the cursor where you wish to place the text box. Type the text inside the box.

Next, format the text. With the text box selected, click on the Home tab. Use the formatting options on the ribbon to format the text.

When your flowchart is complete, switch off the Gridlines, and enjoy your creation!

Method Two: Create a Flowchart in Word With SmartArt

Another way to create flowcharts in MS Word is by using SmartArt. It’s a pre-designed visual template in Word that lets you quickly make charts and diagrams. You can format SmartArt—up to a certain extent—and personalize them with your own information.

To create a Microsoft SmartArt flowchart, follow these steps:

1. Insert a New SmartArt

Go to Insert > SmartArt > Process. The Process menu pops up.

Choose the SmartArt that’s most suitable for the flowchart you wish to create and click on it.

2. Format the SmartArt Flowchart

Under the SmartArt Design tab, use the tools on the ribbon to format the various elements of the SmartArt. 

Explore the special effects menu to see ways you can spice up your chart.

At any point, you can also change the style of your Microsoft SmartArt flowchart. First, select the SmartArt. Under the SmartArt Design tab, open the styles menu. Click on a different style you wish to apply.

3. Add Steps

You’ll probably need to add steps to your process SmartArt. To do this, make sure you’re on the SmartArt Design tab. Click on the Add Shape dropdown menu and choose from one of two options:

• Add Shape After. Adds a step at the end of the current SmartArt.
• Add Shape Before. Adds a step at the beginning.

Tip: You can add steps at any point in your workflow. But I suggest you add all the steps you think you’ll need before you add your text.

4. Add Your Text

To add your text, click on a text box—it’ll have a placeholder that says “Text”—and type your own text. Under the SmartArt Design tab, you can also click on the Text Pane button to add and edit text through the Text Pane.

You can also format the text inside the SmartArt. First, select the text box, then click on the Home tab. Use the formatting options to change the font, font size, and etc.

5. Add Images

If the SmartArt flowchart style you created includes pictures, now’s the time to add your custom images.

Click on the image icon. This launches your document finder. Click on the image file you want to add, then click Insert.

Tip: Make sure your image has the correct proportions for the image placeholder in the SmartArt. If the placeholder is square, edit your image to be a square before inserting it. Otherwise, it may get cropped awkwardly.

Repeat the steps above to complete your Microsoft SmartArt flowchart.

Shapes vs. SmartArt: What’s the Best Way to Create a Flowchart in Word?

Now that know how to create a flowchart in Word using two methods, you may be wondering, which is the better way: shapes or SmartArt?

Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Use shapes to create a flowchart if:

• You want complete control over how your flowchart looks. It’s simply easier to control the different elements of a flowchart that’s built from scratch using shapes and lines or arrows as connectors.

• You want to use symbolic flowchart shapes. Word shapes include both the basic shapes and special flowchart shapes.

• You’ve got a complicated flowchart. If you’re trying to create a flowchart with split steps (like the bread making flowchart I made with charts), then you’re better off using shapes. 

Consider using SmartArt to make a flowchart if:

• You want a creatively designed chart quickly. SmartArt process diagrams are pre-made by designers to look great with minimal fuss.

• You don’t need traditional flowchart shapes. Most Microsoft SmartArt flowcharts use only basic shapes and other elements that are chosen more for aesthetic purposes.

• Your flowchart has only a few and simple steps. SmartArt charts lend themselves best to straightforward processes.

5 Flowchart Making Tips

Microsoft Word gives you two convenient ways to make MS Word flowchart diagrams. To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:

1. Plan It Out

Have a clear vision for what you want your flowchart you look like. Sketch it out with pen and paper and know exactly what text and images you’re going to use. 

2. Make the Design Elements Consistent

Use a consistent style among the shapes and connectors in your flowchart. For example, use the same one or two fonts for the text.

3. Fit the Entire Chart on One Page

For the greatest legibility, make sure your chart fits all on one page. You may have to change the document’s orientation from portrait to landscape to accommodate a long or wide flowchart.

4. Don’t Count on People Knowing What Flowchart Shapes Mean

As mentioned above, shapes have specific meanings when used in flowcharts. But your readers may not know what those are. Make sure your flowchart makes sense even if this is the case. It’s also a good idea to include a legend or symbol key to let your readers know what the various shapes stand for.

5. Follow the Conventional Reading Direction

In the English language, readers read from left to right and top to bottom. If your flowchart is more than one level long, continue the second level on the left side of the page. (Of course, if your document is in a language that’s read from right to left, bottom to top, then you’d follow that direction for your flowchart as well.)

Streamline Your Workflow With Microsoft Word Templates

Another way to streamline your workflow is with a Word template. 

Templates may include a Microsoft Word flowchart or other diagrams. Even if that’s not the case, starting with a Microsoft Word flowchart template is still an easy way to create a professionally-designed document.

With a template for Word, all the major design decisions have already been made for you by a professional. All you’ve got to do is to customize it with your branding colors, images, and text.

One excellent source of Word templates is Envato Elements. In this creative marketplace you’ll find templates for various kinds of documents such as this resume/CV template, which includes infographics.

An Elements subscription gives you access to much more than high-quality Word templates. For one low, fixed price per month, you get unlimited downloads of the creative components you need to make your document look its best, such as fonts, photos, graphics, and icons. 

And if you create other types of materials, like videos and websites, then you’ll also benefit from unlimited downloads of stock videos, music, sound effects, and presentation templates.

Create Your Own Flowcharts in Microsoft Word

Now you know how to make an easy flowchart in Microsoft Word. For complete control, build your flowchart with shapes and lines. For a fast and artistic look, use SmartArt. Either way, a well-constructed flowchart will make your document more effective at showing a process, workflow, or data flow.

You can also use Word templates to streamline your workflow. For the best quality and value, get Word templates and other creative resources from Envato Elements. Your subscription brings to your fingertips millions of creative assets to help you communicate effectively.

Flowcharts are helpful tools for visualizing a process or workflow. They’re incredibly easy to make but powerfully effective when applied to a complex task. While Microsoft Word isn’t known as a graphic design tool, it is possible to make a flowchart in Word.

An even better way to create flowcharts for your projects, whether they will stand on their own or be imported into a Word doc is to use Venngage’s Flowchart Maker. Our flowchart maker allows you to drag and drop steps in a process, quickly update colors and fonts and more.

With a paid plan, Venngage users can download their flowchart design as a PNG that they can easily upload to their Word document. But you can start creating one right now for free—no design experience required.

You’re looking for ways to make a flowchart in Word though, so let’s take a look at how you can make a flowchart in Microsoft Word and some reasons you might want to reconsider that plan.

Click to jump ahead:

• How to create a flowchart in Microsoft Word
• Flowchart templates for Microsoft Word
• How to create a Microsoft Word flowchart in Venngage

How to create a flowchart in Microsoft Word

When creating a flowchart in Microsoft Word, you have a couple of options.

• You can draw the flowchart manually, inserting shapes, text boxes, images and more.
• Or you can use the onboard SmartArt graphics the program comes with.

Going the manual route is the best way to make sure you get exactly what you want, but it’s much more time-consuming, both to build and to make changes.

Using Word’s built-in SmartArt may save you some time, but the available SmartArt graphics may be limiting creatively.

Let’s check out how it works using both methods and what the finished product might look like.

• Manual flowchart in Word
• SmartArt flowchart in Word

Manual flowchart in Word

For most flowcharts used for decision-making, manually creating the image in Word is the only method. We’ll look at what’s possible with SmartArt in a moment, but it’s important to note that Word’s built-in graphics include only process charts.

We’re going to create this simple flowchart (inspired by a Venngage template):

Step 1. Create a new document and insert the title

In this case, we chose a design theme that included a visually impactful title treatment. There aren’t a ton of great options the program comes with—this means in order to create a high-impact title, you’ll need to have a well-developed design sense.

Step 2. Draw rectangular shapes

Under the “Insert” tab, select the shapes dropdown and draw some rounded rectangles in the general areas where our question points will go.

Even with copying and pasting shapes rather than drawing each new one, this step is time-consuming. It would be even more time-consuming with a longer flowchart.

Unless you are using templates that override the style, shapes will default to having a fill and an outline, even text boxes, which we’ll get to in a moment.

Step 3. Draw text boxes for each question

Every rectangle we drew needed a text box for the question, so we drew one and then copied and pasted it into each new box. We also added boxes for the two possible end results, rent or buy.

Step 4. Add content for each question

We then typed in all the content. But some boxes were too small while others were too large. Resize and style using the shape/text format tab, whichever is applicable.

Step 5. Draw circle shapes

Place circles for yes/no answers in their logical places to create the flowchart result.

Step 6. Draw text boxes for each answer

In this case, it was easier to create two complete circle/answer combinations, then copy and paste where applicable since the size of the circle won’t change. In flowcharts that don’t follow a yes/no flow, that will be more difficult.

Step 7. Insert arrow shapes

Connect the questions with their logical answers using arrows.

Step 8. Insert icons

Without some visuals other than rectangles, circles and arrows, the flowchart would feel quite plain. So we added a house icon. Under “Insert” > “Icons”, search the word “house” and pick one of the available options.

This window shows all the house icons available; there’s not much. And two of them are bathtubs.

Step 9. Size and recolor icon

Set the icon not to wrap around text, resize and move it to the bottom of the page. Change the color under the format tab.

Step 10: Make tweaks until you perfect the design

In this case, we moved some of the connecting arrows around to make sure the alignment made sense. Not that it’s perfect, but within the limitations of the size of a Word page, the flow works and all content is legible.

Make sure you also group all the design elements when you’re done designing to prevent them from moving around if you add new content.

Finished product: It’ll do in a pinch

This is a highly simplified series of steps. In reality, what looks like 10 steps is really at least 35 or 40. That’s because even if you copy and paste elements, you still have to make tons of manual tweaks to make it work.

In addition to taking way too many steps, Word is difficult to navigate as a design tool. That’s because it wasn’t developed for graphic design.

SmartArt flowchart in Word

We actually weren’t able to replicate this exact flowchart using the SmartArt options in Word. However, we’ll show you the closest we could get and detail the steps required to get there.

Step 1: Insert the title and pick a SmartArt graphic

There are no flowcharts in the SmartArt menu, but we scrolled through to find the one we thought would fit best. This was easier said than done, as we loaded our content into one SmartArt graphic we thought would work and it didn’t make sense.

At this point, we realized this exact flowchart can’t be recreated using SmartArt and that we would have to boil down the flowchart to just the questions and disregard the answers.

Step 2: Add the content

You can either do this by selecting the individual Text boxes or you can use the Text Pane under the SmartArt graphic menu. That’s the easiest way. While it’s definitely easier than adding individual text boxes, writing the content just reveals how much Word falls short in this area.

Step 3: Go through more options

After we finished tweaking all of our content, we decided to go through some other options to make sure what we had was the best version we could get. This is by far the best aspect of using SmartArt. You can see immediately how your content adjusts.

Step 4: Change colors and style as desired

You can’t easily do as much tweaking as if you make the flowchart manually, but the SmartArt menu allows you to change some color themes.

Finished product: Not really a flowchart

This really is just a series of questions, which is what a flowchart is when you really boil it down. But removing the flowchart visual completely removes its visual impact and efficiency.

A better way: Flowchart for Word using Venngage

For comparison’s sake, here’s what the same flowchart looks like after being created in Venngage’s flowchart maker. Even if we’d spent three to four times as long tinkering with the flowcharts in Word, they would never look like this.

If you’re looking for SmartArt-like functionality that lets you automatically add, resize and move content around, check out Venngage’s new smart templates.

Return to Table of Contents

Flowchart templates for Microsoft Word

Of course, making a flowchart directly on a blank Word page is just one option.

With Venngage for Business, your team can collaborate to create an effective, engaging, on-brand flowchart that you can export as a PNG and paste into a Word document.

Let’s look at some flowchart templates that would be great additions to a project proposal, contract or Word-based report.

Process map template

Use a process map template in your Word doc for explaining processes or workflows. Remember that Word documents default to having about 6.5 by 9 inches of space on each page, so change your document setup if you need more than that.

This simple flowchart illustrates the steps needed to complete a computer troubleshooting process. Its bright, gradient color palette is an excellent match for companies with a modern style.

While many flowcharts are organized with the familiar branches and nodes, they also come in a top-to-bottom organization like this process map template. Explain the flow of work expected of your team with this process map.

Onboard new employees with a process map template like this one.

Process flow chart template

Process flow chart templates can be used to visualize the steps required to complete a task or assignment. They are especially helpful for complicated processes, which is why many computer programmers use them.

Process flow charts can get quite complicated. While this example has a large amount of content, it never becomes too difficult for the reader to understand.

Process flow charts sometimes splinter off in multiple directions, but not always. This example shows how a range of outcomes is possible based on a few common steps in the beginning.

Particularly when you’re creating them for Microsoft Word, process flow charts are best served by appearing on a single screen. That sometimes means making them snake around the page. If necessary, be sure to add beginning and ending notes like in this example.

Customize this process flow chart to add branches and nodes that apply to every possible outcome.

Related: 20+ Flow Chart Templates, Design Tips and Examples

Workflow diagram template

Workflow diagram templates can be used in your Word documents to help readers visualize the actions that will take place over the course of a project or one specific workflow within that project.

New employees need to download a great deal of information quickly. That’s why workflow diagram templates are helpful. They can also help train existing employees on new procedures. When updating this for your Word doc, be mindful of the dimensions.

Workflow diagrams often omit the branching aspect of traditional flowcharts. This is useful for situations where you need to visualize a process but the reader doesn’t make any choices along the way.

Workflow diagrams can also help team members see at a glance what tasks should happen during which phases of a process. In this example, the tasks are divided into clear sections. This could be especially useful if different members of the team handle different sections.

Process flow template

Process flow templates can be updated for each new project, and by taking advantage of the orientation of the two examples below, you can make sure they’ll fit nicely in your Word document.

Process flow templates are useful not only for learning the steps needed in a workflow but also for understanding how they relate to each other.

Train customer service representatives using a process flow template like the one above.

Related: 21+ Flowchart Examples to Organize Projects and Improve Processes

Yes/no flowchart template

Yes/no flowcharts are perhaps the most immediately recognizable, and they’re among the most difficult to make using Word’s native tools. But these alternatives would be simple and quick additions to your Word documents.

Yes/no flow charts may be immediately recognizable, but that doesn’t mean they all look the same. Not only does this example align with the yes/no format, but it also adds color-coding to distinguish which teams are responsible for what tasks.

Forgive us for getting a bit meta, but yes/no flowcharts are such useful tools that we made one explaining what flowcharts even are.

So far, we’ve focused mostly on flowcharts that have utility for internal organizational purposes, but they can also be used by marketing teams to create engaging content.

Editable flow chart template

For leaders, project managers and others in organizations, having editable flow chart templates is critical. They can’t afford to waste time. Depending on your needs, consider the editable flow chart templates below.

Consider using an editable flow chart template like this one for processes that repeat over and over again. Once you’ve downloaded our template, you can always go back and edit your design.

Update this editable flow chart to help team members troubleshoot problems they commonly have, whether with computer systems, customers or even coworkers.

Organizational flow chart template

Organizational flow charts can help team members understand how they fit into the business, as well as explaining new procedures or processes.

Clarify the structure of a project or a new process by creating an organizational flow chart like this list-based example:

Or explain your company’s new procedure/process like this Online Sales Procedure process flowchart:

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How to create a Microsoft Word flowchart in Venngage

Making a Microsoft Word flowchart in Venngage is incredibly simple, and it’s even easier thanks to the new smart diagram editor.

Step 1: Sign up for a free Venngage account

You can sign up with your email, Gmail or Facebook account.

Step 2: Select a flowchart template from our templates library

Aside from the ones we’ve shared above, we also offer hundreds of others that are easy to edit even if you have no design skills.

Step 3: Start editing your flowchart with our smart diagram editor

Most of our templates are created with the simple drag-and-drop editor that lets you design in minutes, even if you have no design skills.

We’re also rolling out new smart templates with the smart diagram editor which makes it easy for you to add new nodes/branches to your flowcharts.

You can add, edit, delete or drag nodes, texts, icons around in one click, and the node will automatically adjust to whatever content you add to it as well.

Step 4: Liven up your flowchart with icons, illustrations and branding elements

We offer over 40,000 icons and illustrations for you to visualize any information you want on your flowchart.

If you upgrade to a Business account, you can enjoy My Brand Kit—the one-click branding kit that lets you upload your logo and apply brand colors and fonts to any design.

Step 5: Share a public link for free or upgrade to download

Once you upgrade, you can download your flowchart as a PNG file that you can insert to your Word document. After you’ve downloaded, feel free to go back and make edits any time.

You can also export your flowchart in PDF, Interactive PDF or PowerPoint format—if you want to use it for your presentation.

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In summary: Create stunning, engaging flowcharts for your Microsoft Word proposals, contracts and reports

Instead of creating a flowchart in Word, beef up your visual impact by creating an image in Venngage’s Flowchart Maker and using it to supercharge the visuals in your Word document.

You can start creating one for free right now and see how easy it is to make a flowchart with Venngage’s drag-and-drop editor—no design experience required.