PowerPoint - Align flow chart shapes and add connectors Tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to align flow chart shapes and add connectors using Microsoft 365. The video covers the process of aligning shapes in a flow chart and demonstrates how to add connectors to create a logical flow.
This will help you create visually appealing and organized flow charts using Microsoft 365.

4:48
6482 views

Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

This video aims to guide viewers through the process of adding connectors to flowchart shapes, ensuring proper alignment and spacing for a clear and professional presentation.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Flowchart Connectors
In this section, we will explore the importance of connectors in flowcharts and how they enhance the clarity of the information presented. Connectors help illustrate the flow of processes, making it easier for viewers to understand the relationships between different elements.
Aligning Flowchart Shapes
The first step in adding connectors is to ensure that the flowchart shapes are properly aligned. The flow of the chart should be from top to bottom and left to right. To achieve this: - Select the leftmost column of shapes by dragging over them. - Navigate to the Drawing Tools Format tab. - Click on 'Align Objects' and then select 'Align Center' to center the shapes vertically. - Adjust the vertical spacing by keeping the shapes selected and clicking 'Distribute Vertically'. Repeat these steps for the next two columns of shapes to maintain consistency.
Aligning Rows and Decision Groups
Next, we will align the horizontal rows of shapes: - For each row, select the shapes and click 'Align Objects', then 'Align Middle' to align the shapes horizontally. - For the decision group, use the left arrow key to nudge it closer to the shapes in its row, ensuring a neat arrangement.
Adding Connectors
With the shapes aligned, we can now add connectors: - Zoom in for a closer view. - Click on the first terminator shape, go to the Format tab, and select 'Arrow' from the Shapes gallery. - Drag from the center black dot of the shape to the edge of the shape below. Release the mouse to create a connector line. - Format the arrow by selecting it, clicking 'Shape Outline', choosing a dark blue color, and adjusting the weight to 1.5 points. Right-click the arrow and select 'Set as Default Line' to apply this style to all connectors.
Using Elbow Arrows
To connect tasks that are not directly aligned, elbow arrows are used: - Select the shape from which you want to draw the arrow. - In the Format tab, choose 'Elbow Arrow Connector' from the Shapes gallery. - Click and drag from the middle black dot to the edge of the destination shape. The arrow will automatically adjust to the correct configuration.
Final Adjustments and Review
After adding all connectors, review the overall spacing: - Tighten the space between the decision shape and the outer shapes by selecting them and nudging them to the left. - Select the entire chart and use the right arrow key to move it to the right, ensuring even margins. - Finally, view the chart in slideshow mode to see the completed flowchart with all steps and connectors formatted correctly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have successfully added connectors to our flowchart, ensuring that all shapes are aligned and spaced appropriately. This process not only enhances the visual appeal of the flowchart but also improves its effectiveness in conveying information.

FAQ :

What is a flowchart?

A flowchart is a visual representation of a process or workflow, using various shapes to denote different actions, decisions, and the flow of information.

How do I align shapes in a flowchart?

To align shapes, select the shapes you want to align, go to the Format tab, and use the Align options to center or distribute them as needed.

What are connectors in a flowchart?

Connectors are lines that link different shapes in a flowchart, showing the direction of the process flow.

What is the purpose of elbow arrows?

Elbow arrows are used to connect shapes that are not directly aligned, allowing for a clear representation of the flow between them.

How can I format the connectors in my flowchart?

You can format connectors by selecting them, going to the Format tab, and choosing options like Shape Outline to change color and thickness.

What should I do if my shapes are not evenly spaced?

You can use the Distribute option in the Format tab to evenly space selected shapes vertically or horizontally.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Project Management

Flowcharts can be used in project management to outline the steps of a project, showing tasks, decision points, and the flow of information between team members.

Process Documentation

Organizations can use flowcharts to document standard operating procedures, making it easier for employees to understand and follow processes.

Software Development

In software development, flowcharts can help visualize algorithms and workflows, aiding in the design and debugging of software applications.

Training and Onboarding

Flowcharts can be effective tools for training new employees, providing a clear visual guide to company processes and workflows.

Quality Control

In quality control, flowcharts can illustrate the steps in a quality assurance process, helping teams identify areas for improvement and ensuring compliance.

Glossaire :

Connectors

Lines that link different shapes in a flowchart, indicating the flow of the process.

Flowchart

A diagram that represents a process or workflow, using shapes to denote different types of actions or decisions.

Align

To arrange objects in a straight line or in correct relative positions.

Distribute

To space objects evenly apart from each other.

Elbow Arrow

A type of connector that makes a right-angle turn, used to connect shapes that are not directly aligned.

Shapes Gallery

A collection of predefined shapes available in drawing tools for creating diagrams.

Format Tab

A section in software applications that provides options for modifying the appearance of selected objects.

Nudge

To move an object slightly in a specific direction, often using arrow keys.

Theme Colors

A set of colors that are designed to work well together, used for consistent styling in documents.

00:00:08

The first step is to align the shapes so the connectors will be straight.

00:00:13

The flow of the chart is top to bottom left to right.

00:00:18

So, to start we'll drag to select the leftmost column of shapes

00:00:23

and click the Drawing tools Format tab.

00:00:26

To center the shapes vertically we click Align objects, Align center.

00:00:32

Next we'll adjust the space between the shapes vertically so it's consistent.

00:00:37

Keeping them selected, I'll now click Align objects again

00:00:41

and this time click Distribute vertically.

00:00:45

I'll repeat these steps for the next two columns of shapes.

00:00:49

Select the column, click Align objects, Align center,

00:00:53

then Align objects, Distribute vertically.

00:00:58

I've grouped the decision shape with the Yes and No text boxes

00:01:02

and the group kind of sits alone.

00:01:04

I'll come back to it, but let's select the shapes

00:01:08

in the last column and click Align objects, Align center.

00:01:13

The Distribute vertically command doesn't apply

00:01:15

to the two shapes relative to each other.

00:01:19

Now for each horizontal row of shapes,

00:01:22

I'll press Ctrl to select each shape in the row, click the Format tab

00:01:27

and click Align objects, Align middle.

00:01:32

This aligns the shape middles horizontally.

00:01:35

I'll repeat those steps for each row

00:01:38

without including the decision group.

00:01:42

For the decision group, I'll press the left arrow key to

00:01:45

nudge it closer to the shapes in its row.

00:01:49

We are ready to add connectors.

00:01:51

I'll zoom in for a closer view.

00:01:54

I'll add connectors in the order of the flow,

00:01:57

so I'll click the first terminator shape, click the Format tab

00:02:01

and in the Shapes gallery, click Arrow.

00:02:07

When I point to the selected shape, black dots show

00:02:10

the center point of each side and the cursor becomes a crosshairs.

00:02:15

I'll drag the crosshairs from the center black dot down

00:02:18

to the edge of the shape below.

00:02:20

When I release the mouse, the line stays selected

00:02:22

and has a green circle at both ends.

00:02:25

I'll click away to see the arrow.

00:02:28

Because the shapes are aligned at the centers

00:02:30

the arrow connects in a straight line.

00:02:33

Now let's format the arrow.

00:02:36

I click to select it and on the Format tab click Shape outline.

00:02:40

In the theme colors, I'll choose a dark blue for the arrow color

00:02:45

and to make the connector line thicker

00:02:47

I'll reopen Shape outline, point to Weight and choose 1.5 points.

00:02:55

I like this arrow style

00:02:57

so I'll right click the arrow and choose Set as default line.

00:03:03

All the connectors will look like this now.

00:03:06

To add each arrow connector I select the shape,

00:03:10

on the Format tab, I click the arrow in the Shapes gallery

00:03:14

and note frequently use shapes also appear at the top of the gallery

00:03:19

and draw the arrow.

00:03:25

We've got most of the simple arrow connectors in place

00:03:28

and we've zoomed back out.

00:03:30

What we still need are elbow arrows

00:03:32

to connect the bottom task in one column to the top task in the next.

00:03:38

To apply an elbow arrow, I'll select the shape I need to

00:03:41

draw the arrow from, click the Format tab

00:03:45

and in the Shapes gallery click Elbow arrow connector.

00:03:49

I click from the middle black dot on the side of the shape

00:03:52

and drag the crosshairs to the middle edge of the destination shape.

00:03:57

The arrow rotates into the right configuration automatically.

00:04:01

I'll add the other elbow arrow connectors.

00:04:07

All of the shapes are connected.

00:04:09

Looking at the overall spacing, I can tighten the space

00:04:12

between the decision shape and the outer two shapes.

00:04:17

I'll press Ctrl and select the outer two shapes,

00:04:21

then press the left arrow key to nudge them to the left.

00:04:26

Now I'll drag to select the whole chart

00:04:29

and click the right arrow key to move it to the right,

00:04:32

referring to the grid to even out margins.

00:04:37

Let's look at the chart in slideshow view.

00:04:40

The flowchart is finished with every step and connector

00:04:44

formatted and in place.

Mandarine AI: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

RELATED COURSES This tutorial is part of the following courses

2525 Views

Microsoft PowerPoint Video Training – Intermediate

Through a series of 45 intermediate level instruction videos, learn PowerPoint features.

ALL COURSES