Flowcharts help to visualize the logic behind arguments.
2 methods to make flowcharts in Word:
- Using generic shapes
- Using pre-built images
Note that the method using pre-built images is suitable only for linear flowcharts, as Word does not allow branching.
We will show you both methods in simple, step-wise instructions.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Flowchart using generic shapes
Step #1: Open Word Document
Open an existing Word document or a new document.
Navigate to the page where you want the flowchart.
Step #2: Insert Shape Terminator
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes tab.
A drop-down menu appears.
In the section Flowchart, click on the shape Flowchart:Terminator.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a shape.
A new tab Shape Format appears in the top menu bar.
Step #3: Insert Shape Preparation
Click on the tab Shape Format in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Insert Shapes, click on Flowchart: Preparation.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a shape.
Step #4: Insert Shape Rectangle
In the section Insert Shapes, click on Rectangle: Rounded Corner.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a shape.
Step #5: Insert Shape Arrow Right
In the section Insert Shapes, click on Arrow: Right.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a shape.
Step #6: Insert Shape Arrow Down
In the section Insert Shapes, click on Arrow:Down.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a shape.
Step #7: Make Copies
Click and select a shape on the page.
Press CTRL+D on your keyboard to make a copy of the shape.
Repeat for an appropriate number of times.
Step #8: Arrange the Shapes
Click on each shape and drag to reposition them.
Step #9: Enter Text
Right-click a shape on the page.
A drop-down menu will appear.
Click on the Edit Text icon.
Enter appropriate text.
Use the handles to resize the shape.
Enter appropriate text for all shapes.
Step #10: Add Arrows Right
Right-click on the Arrow Right shape.
In the menu that opens, click on the Fill icon.
The Colors menu will open.
Click to select the green color.
The arrow color will change.
Press CTRL+D on your keyboard.
This will make a copy of the arrow.
Add as many arrows right as appropriate.
Note: Arrows representing the Yes decision are green.
Other arrows representing flow are yellow.
Use handles on the arrows to change their length.
Step #11: Add Arrows Down
Right-click on the Arrow Down shape.
In the menu that opens, click on the Fill icon.
The Colors menu will open.
Click to select the Red color.
The arrow color will change.
Press CTRL+D on your keyboard.
This will make a copy of the arrow.
Add as many copies as appropriate.
Note: Arrows representing the No decision are red.
Other arrows representing flow are yellow.
Use handles on the arrows to change their length.
Step #12: Add N Legend
Click on any shape to add Shape Format tab to the top menu bar.
Click on the Shape Format tab in the top menu bar.
In the section Insert Shapes, click on the Text Box icon.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a text box.
Enter N inside the text box.
Right-click on the text box.
In the menu that opens, click on the Outline icon.
The Colors menu will open.
Click on No Outline.
Right-click to select N.
From the menu that opens, change the size and color appropriately.
Copy and paste the text box in appropriate positions.
Step #13: Add Y Legend
Click on any shape to add Shape Format tab to the top menu bar.
Click on the Shape Format tab in the top menu bar.
In the section Insert Shapes, click on the Text Box icon.
The cursor will change into a cross.
Position the cross appropriately in the paper.
Click and hold the mouse button and drag it to the opposite corner to create a text box.
Enter Y inside the text box.
Right-click on the text box.
In the menu that opens, click on the Outline icon.
The Colors menu will open.
Click on No Outline.
Right-click to select Y.
From the menu that opens, change the size and color appropriately.
Copy and paste the text box in appropriate positions..
Your flowchart is now ready.
Method #2: Flowchart using Pre-Built Images
This method makes only linear flowcharts.
Step #1: Open Word Document
Open an existing Word document or a new document.
Navigate to the page where you want the flowchart.
Step #2: Insert a Pre-Built Image
Click on the Insert tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the section Illustrations, click on the SmartArt icon.
This opens a SmartArt Graphic toolbox.
In the left pane, click on the Process tab.
In the center pane, click on the Basic Bending Process icon.
The right pane shows a preview of the built-in image.
Click on the OK tab at the bottom to close the toolbox.
A Basic Bending Process chart appears on the page.
Step #3: Add Text
A new tab SmartArt Design appears in the top menu bar.
Click on the SmartArt Design tab to change the ribbon.
In the section Create Graphic, click on the Text Pane icon.
A Text Pane appears on the left of the image.
Fill in appropriate text in the text pane.
The text will appear inside the boxes in the image.
Close the text pane by clicking on the X mark on the top right.
The flowchart is now ready.
Conclusion
We have shown you two ways of making flowcharts in Word. Use the method most suitable to your application.
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