What is a Flowchart?
Short answer: A flowchart is a visual diagram that represents a workflow, process, or algorithm using standardized symbols connected by arrows. It shows the sequence of steps, decisions, and actions needed to complete a task, making complex processes easy to understand at a glance.
Flowcharts are essential tools for visualizing processes, documenting workflows, and communicating complex systems. Whether you're mapping business processes, planning algorithms, or documenting user journeys, flowcharts make abstract concepts concrete and understandable.
Common Flowchart Symbols
- Oval (Terminator): Represents the start or end of a process
- Rectangle (Process): Shows an action or operation
- Diamond (Decision): Indicates a yes/no or true/false decision point
- Parallelogram (Input/Output): Represents data entering or leaving the system
- Arrow: Shows the direction of flow between steps
When to Use Flowcharts
- Documenting business processes and SOPs
- Planning software algorithms and logic
- Mapping user journeys and experiences
- Troubleshooting and decision trees
- Training and onboarding materials
- Project planning and workflow optimization
How to Create Flowcharts Online
Modern flowchart tools like SmoothMermaid let you create professional flowcharts from Mermaid source or a prompt. Describe your process in plain English, refine the generated Mermaid source, and use visual editing for supported flowcharts when it is useful.
Benefits of AI-powered flowchart creation:
- Save time—no manual positioning or formatting
- Focus on logic, not layout
- Edit quickly with natural language
- Export to PNG or SVG for sharing
Example Flowchart
Here's a simple user registration flowchart example:
flowchart TD
A[Start] --> B{User has account?}
B -->|No| C[Enter email]
C --> D[Create password]
D --> E[Verify email]
E --> F[Account created]
B -->|Yes| G[Login]
F --> H[End]
G --> H
Start Creating Flowcharts
Ready to create your own flowcharts? Open SmoothMermaid in your browser and keep the Mermaid source readable as you work.
Open Flowchart Workspace →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flowchart used for?
Flowcharts are used to visualize workflows, processes, and algorithms. They're essential for documenting business processes, planning software algorithms, mapping user journeys, troubleshooting, and creating training materials.
What are the basic flowchart symbols?
The basic flowchart symbols are: Oval (start/end), Rectangle (process/step), Diamond (decision), Parallelogram (input/output), and Arrows (flow direction).
How can I create a flowchart online?
You can create flowcharts in a browser with SmoothMermaid. Start from Mermaid source or describe a process in plain English, then refine the generated Mermaid source.
Edit a Flowchart visually without losing Mermaid source
SmoothMermaid can safely edit supported Flowchart nodes and connections on the canvas. Rename, add, delete, or connect items visually; each accepted edit writes back to Mermaid source and shares the same undo history as code edits.
Canvas editing is available only after the current source passes its safety checks. For chained statements, indexed link styles, subgraph edge cases, or unsupported syntax, edit the Mermaid source directly instead.