How to Make a Flowchart in Microsoft Word

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May 11, 2024

Flowcharts are designed to provide actionable information for any workflow, process, or decision-making procedure. However, we often spend a lot of time creating flowcharts that are ultimately abandoned. If you are pressed for time and want to quickly capture the ideas in your mind, use the AI-generated diagram feature provided by Docuopia. Choose from existing document information or enter the details relevant to the flowchart you want to create. You'll be able to prepare the flowchart in half the time, without having to start from scratch in Microsoft Word!

How to Create a Flowchart in Word: Preparing for Success

In this tutorial, we are using Microsoft Excel for Mac, version 16.84. If you are using a different version, the steps and features may vary.

There are two methods to create a flowchart in Word.

Before you start adding content and shapes, it's essential to prepare the content for your flowchart. Ideally, think through the process roughly in advance. This will help you progress faster in the later stages of construction because you'll already have a clear idea of the number of steps and placeholders needed. If you'd like AI assistance to create a flowchart that matches your content, consider trying our tool (Docuopia).

Here's a simple process list example for product design:

  1. Product Manager Assesses Market Needs (Research Phase)
  2. R&D Team Conducts Technical Feasibility Analysis (Analysis Phase)
  3. Design Team Creates Prototypes and User Interface Designs (Design Phase)
  4. Engineers Develop Product Features (Development Phase)
  5. Quality Assurance Team Tests the Product (Testing Phase)
  6. Official Product Launch (Completion Phase)

Since you have already outlined each step of the process, you're off to a great start! If you prefer to use pre-built SmartArt graphics, please follow these steps:

Version 1: Building a Flowchart in Word With Basic Symbols

Step 1. Add shapes for each process step

Navigate to the Insert tab, choose Shapes, select Flowchart, pick a shape, and then click in your document to place it.

Step 2: Customize Your Shapes

While it's common to adjust the color and size of shapes at the end of the process, it's more efficient to set up your preferred shape format first, especially when inserting shapes in Word requires multiple clicks. Once you've established your desired format, you can easily duplicate the shape using the copy and paste functions.

To do this, access the Shape Format tab, which will display all available options for customizing your shapes. After you've tailored your shape to your liking, replicate it as needed by copying and pasting.

Step 3: Add Arrows to Connect Each Process Step

You're almost there! With your shapes in place, the next step is to connect them to illustrate the sequence of events in your flowchart. To do this, navigate to the Insert tab, select Shapes, and then choose Lines. Within the Lines options, click on the Arrow style to draw a connector between your shapes.

Version 2: Building a Flowchart in Word Using SmartArt Graphics

Step 1: Adjust Page Orientation and Add a SmartArt Graphic

Start by adjusting the page orientation to better accommodate a wider flowchart. To do this, navigate to the Layout tab, select Orientation, and choose Landscape.

Once you've set the orientation, take your list of processes and follow these steps to insert a SmartArt graphic:

  1. Under the Insert tab, click on SmartArt.
  2. From the SmartArt gallery, select the Process category.
  3. Choose the diagram layout that best fits your flowchart's requirements.

Once you select the process chart, it will be inserted into your Word document. Paste the previously copied process list into the Text Pane window. If the Text Pane isn't visible, ensure that the SmartArt graphic is selected. Then, navigate to the SmartArt Design tab at the top of the window and click on Text Pane located at the far left.

Step 2. Format your flowchart

Utilize the SmartArt Design tab to modify colors, refresh the styles of your flowchart symbols, and incorporate additional shapes to finalize your graphic. If you do not see the SmartArt Design tab on the menu, ensure that your flowchart is selected.


Accelerate Your Creativity with Docuopia's AI-Generated Diagrams

If you're looking to quickly generate relevant flowcharts, consider trying Docuopia. Simply select the content or choose the AI-generated diagram tool, then input your relevant content to swiftly generate a flowchart tailored to your needs. You can also continue to edit or instruct the AI to adjust the generated content. Moreover,Docuopia supports the creation of various types of diagrams beyond just flowcharts.

For more details, visit their website.

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