Use Shapes to Create a Flowchart in Word
To create a flowchart from scratch, start with a drawing canvas, then add shapes to it, change the color and outline of the shapes, label the shapes, and draw connecting lines between the shapes to show their relationship to each other.
Create the Drawing Canvas
A drawing canvas acts as a frame around the flowchart shapes and groups the shapes as one object. This way, the text flows around the flowchart and the shapes stay in the position you intended. To add a drawing canvas to a Word document and change the way it looks:
Add Shapes to the Drawing Canvas
Before you add shapes to the drawing canvas, make a sketch of the flowchart. This will give you a plan to follow as you design the flowchart in Word. To add shapes to the drawing canvas:
Add Text to Shapes
Flowchart shapes need text that briefly describes the purpose of each step in the process. To add text to shapes:
Add Connectors Between Shapes
Draw lines, or connectors, between shapes to show the relationship between the them. Connectors have connection points at each end of the line that stays connected to the shapes it’s attached to. These lines are only connected to shapes that have dots on the shape outline. To draw connecting lines between shapes:
Use SmartArt to Create a Flowchart in Word
If you want a flowchart with some graphical appeal, create it with SmartArt. Some of the built-in SmartArt graphics are like a flowchart template for Word. To add a SmartArt graphic to a Word document, choose a SmartArt style, change the number of shapes, add your text, and changes the look of the SmartArt.
Select a SmartArt Graphic
To add a SmartArt graphic to a Word document:
Add Shapes to a SmartArt Flowchart
If there aren’t enough shapes in the SmartArt graphic for your flowchart, add more shapes. To add a new shape:
Add Text to a SmartArt Graphic
To add text to the shapes in a SmartArt flowchart:
Change the Look of SmartArt Flowchart
There are several ways to make your SmartArt flowchart look different. Experiment with different colors, add images and move shapes to different locations.
To change the color of the SmartArt shapes, select the shapes, go to the SmartArt Design tab, select Change Colors, and choose a color combination.Some SmartArt graphics have space for images. To add a picture, select the Picture icon on a shape, then choose to either insert a picture From a File on your computer, browse for Online Pictures from sources such as Bing and OneDrive, or add a picture From Icons stored in Word or on your computer.To move a shape, select the shape, go to the SmartArt Design tab, and choose either Move Selection Up or Move Selection Down.
If you don’t like the changes you made to a SmartArt graphic, go to the SmartArt Design tab and select Reset Graphic.
Find a Flowchart Maker or Flowchart Templates for Word
You’re not limited to the tools found in Word to make a flowchart. There are several Word add-ins and free templates that will get you started quickly.
Download Free Flowchart Templates
If you want a basic flowchart that will get you started, go to HubSpot and download their free flowchart template for Word. You’ll find more detailed flowchart templates at Template.Net. There are flowchart templates for process flows, organizational charts, accident reporting, and yes or no type charts. To use these flowchart templates, download the template to your computer, open the document in Word, and make changes to the shapes and text to fit your needs.
Install a Word Flowchart Maker Add-in
You’ll also find flowchart makers in the Microsoft Office Store. To install a flowchart maker add-in for Word:
