Flowchart
A flowchart is a diagram that represents a process, workflow, or algorithm using shapes (nodes) connected by arrows (edges) to show the order of steps.
In depth
A flowchart is the canonical visual format for documenting how something gets done. The standard shape vocabulary — terminal (oval) for start/end, process (rectangle) for actions, decision (diamond) for branches, and data (parallelogram) for input/output — has been used since the 1940s and remains the lingua franca for explaining processes to humans.
In modern software, flowcharts are rendered as interactive directed graphs of nodes and edges with optional swimlanes, group containers, and labels on the connections.
AI-native tools like OpenCharts can generate complete flowcharts from a PDF, prompt, or whiteboard sketch — turning unstructured documentation into editable, shareable, version-controlled diagrams in seconds.
Examples
- Customer onboarding for a B2B SaaS
- Loan approval decision tree
- Software deployment pipeline
- Manufacturing quality control checklist
Also known as
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Process map
A process map is a visual representation of a workflow that documents the sequence of steps, decision points, and handoffs needed to complete a business outcome.
Decision tree
A decision tree is a tree-shaped diagram that maps a sequence of choices and their possible outcomes, used for decision support, classification, and policy documentation.
Swimlane diagram
A swimlane diagram is a flowchart that organizes activities into horizontal or vertical lanes, with each lane representing a different actor, role, or department responsible for those activities.
BPMN
BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) is a standardized graphical language for modeling business processes using pools, lanes, gateways, activities, and events.