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Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharts use special symbols to represent different types of steps and relationships in a process. Common symbols include shapes for actions, decisions, inputs/outputs, and document storage. Over time, some symbols have been replaced as technology has evolved, such as those representing computer punchcards. A flowchart provides a visual representation of a process through the use of standardized symbols connected by lines to show the sequence and flow.

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Jayson Nosyaj
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540 views

Flowchart Symbols

Flowcharts use special symbols to represent different types of steps and relationships in a process. Common symbols include shapes for actions, decisions, inputs/outputs, and document storage. Over time, some symbols have been replaced as technology has evolved, such as those representing computer punchcards. A flowchart provides a visual representation of a process through the use of standardized symbols connected by lines to show the sequence and flow.

Uploaded by

Jayson Nosyaj
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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.

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More Flowchart Symbols


Here is a more comprehensive library of flowchart symbols.

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

Action or Process Symbol


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

Document Symbol
A printed document or report.
Multiple Documents Symbol
Represents multiple documents in the process.

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

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

Manual Input Symbol


Represents a step where a user is prompted to enter information manually.
Preparation Symbol
Represents a set-up to another step in the process.

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

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

Summoning Junction Symbol


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

Merge Symbol
Indicates a step where two or more sub-lists or sub-processes become one.
Collate Symbol
Indicates a step that orders information into a standard format.

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

Subroutine Symbol
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.

Manual Loop Symbol


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

Loop Limit Symbol


Indicates the point at which a loop should stop.
Delay Symbol
Indicates a delay in the process.

Data Storage or Stored Data Symbol


Indicates a step where data gets stored.

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

Internal Storage Symbol


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

Display Symbol

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