Create a Flowchart in PowerPoint

A flowchart is a graphic representation of a process in which each step appears as a symbol and these are connected with arrows. In this tutorial, you’re going to learn how to create flowcharts for your PowerPoint presentation.

Creating a Flowchart from Scratch

To begin creating a flowchart, follow these steps:

1. Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

   • Navigate to the slide where you want to insert the flowchart.

2. Understand the Shapes Used in Flowcharts

   • Rectangles represent processes and are used for the main steps.
   • Diamonds indicate decisions and are used at inflection points within the process.
   • Ovals signify terminal points, marking the beginning or the end of a process.

3. Inserting Shapes

   • Go to the Insert tab and click on Shapes to choose the desired shape.
   • To modify the shape, select it and use the Shape Format tab to either change the shape or edit its points manually.

4. Customizing the Shape

   • Create an oval shape for the starting point.
   • Use Shape Fill to select the desired color for the fill and Shape Outline for the border color.
   • Center the shape horizontally using the guides or the Align options.

5. Adding Text to Shapes

   • Double-click the shape to insert text. Make sure to choose a suitable font, especially if using templates.

6. Inserting Additional Shapes

   • Add as many shapes as needed, ensuring proper alignment and consistent spacing from the borders.

7. Connecting Shapes with Arrows

   • To connect shapes, insert an arrow from the Insert tab. Hover over a shape to find anchor points for connection.
   • Edit the arrow’s color in the Shape Styles box.

Remember, a flowchart must have a clear starting and ending point, with all elements connected.

Inserting a Preset Diagram

If you prefer using a preset diagram, follow these steps:

1. Open Your PowerPoint Presentation

   • Select the slide where you want to insert a flowchart.

2. Insert SmartArt

   • Click on the Insert tab and select SmartArt.
   • Choose a diagram that fits your needs, such as the “Repeating Bending Process” from the “Process” category.

3. Adjusting the Diagram

   • Resize the diagram by dragging the anchor points while holding Shift to maintain proportions.
   • To resize individual shapes, double-click on them first.

4. Changing Colors

   • Modify the colors of shapes and lines by clicking Change Colors on the SmartArt Design tab, ensuring it fits your presentation’s color palette.

5. Editing Text

   • Click on any shape to edit the text inside. You can also adjust the size, color, or font using the Font group on the Home tab.

6. Inserting Icons

   • Icons can enhance your flowchart. If using templates, copy and paste icons that match your presentation’s topic. Change an icon’s color using Shape Fill in the Shape Format tab.

Feel free to add more elements to your diagram by inserting new shapes and arrows as needed, following the guidelines from the “Creating a Flowchart from Scratch” section.