PowerPoint - Create a flow chart Tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to create a flow chart using Microsoft PowerPoint.
The video covers the process of inserting and formatting flowchart shapes, aligning them, and connecting them with connectors.
This tutorial will help you create visually appealing flow charts for various purposes.

3:27
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Available in Microsoft365

Objectifs :

This video aims to teach viewers how to create a process flow using standard flowchart shapes in PowerPoint. It covers the selection, formatting, and alignment of shapes, as well as the use of connectors to build a clear and effective flowchart.

Chapitres :

Introduction to Flowchart Creation
Creating a process flow in PowerPoint involves using standard flowchart shapes arranged in a specific layout. This video guides you through the steps to insert and format these shapes effectively.
Inserting Flowchart Shapes
To begin, click on the 'Insert' tab and select 'Shapes'. From the gallery, choose shapes from the 'Flowchart' group for the main components of your flowchart. For connectors between shapes, use the 'Lines' group. To assist with sizing and positioning, enable 'Gridlines' by clicking on 'View'.
Understanding Flowchart Shapes
Each shape in a flowchart has a specific purpose: - **Rectangle**: Represents a process step. - **Diamond**: Indicates a decision point. - **Elongated Oval**: Used for the start and end of the process. Ensure you select the appropriate shape for each part of your flowchart.
Drawing and Formatting Shapes
To insert a shape, click on it and drag the crosshairs to draw. Once drawn, the shape is selected, and the 'Drawing Tools Format' tab appears. Use this tab to apply styles, such as changing the shape outline. To set a style as the default for all shapes, right-click the shape and select 'Set as Default Shape'.
Aligning and Sizing Shapes
As you draw additional shapes, approximate their size relative to the first shape. Use sizing handles to match widths and watch for smart guides that help align edges. To align shapes, select both shapes by holding 'Ctrl', then click 'Align Center' on the 'Format' tab.
Connecting Shapes
With shapes aligned, you can now draw connectors. Zoom in for precision. In the 'Shapes' gallery under 'Lines', select 'Arrow' and draw the connector from the center handle of the first shape to the center handle of the next shape. Style the connector using the 'Format' tab, similar to other shapes, and set the line style as default.
Considerations for Large Flowcharts
If your flowchart contains more than 25 shapes, consider breaking it into two separate charts or using Microsoft Visio for better management and clarity.
Conclusion
This video has provided a comprehensive overview of creating flowcharts in PowerPoint, from inserting shapes to aligning and connecting them. By following these steps, you can create clear and effective process flows that enhance understanding and communication.

FAQ :

How do I create a flowchart in PowerPoint?

To create a flowchart in PowerPoint, go to the Insert tab, select Shapes, and choose shapes from the Flowchart group. Use the Lines group for connectors between shapes.

What are the different shapes used in flowcharts?

Common shapes include rectangles for processes, diamonds for decision points, and elongated ovals for start and end points.

How can I align shapes in PowerPoint?

Select the shapes you want to align, go to the Format tab, and use the Align objects option to align them to the center or other edges.

What is the purpose of using smart guides?

Smart guides help you align shapes visually as you move them, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and aligned with each other.

Can I save a shape style as default in PowerPoint?

Yes, after formatting a shape, you can right-click it and choose 'Set as default shape' to apply that style to all future shapes.

What should I do if my flowchart has too many shapes?

If your flowchart has more than 25 shapes, consider breaking it into two separate charts or using Microsoft Visio for better management.

Quelques cas d'usages :

Project Management

Use flowcharts to outline project phases, tasks, and decision points, helping teams visualize the workflow and responsibilities.

Process Improvement

Create flowcharts to analyze and improve business processes by identifying bottlenecks and decision points, leading to increased efficiency.

Software Development

Develop flowcharts to map out algorithms and workflows in software applications, aiding in both design and debugging processes.

Training and Onboarding

Utilize flowcharts in training materials to illustrate procedures and workflows, making it easier for new employees to understand their roles.

Quality Control

Implement flowcharts to define quality control processes, ensuring that all steps are followed and decisions are documented.

Glossaire :

Flowchart

A diagram that represents a process, showing the steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them with arrows.

Standard Flowchart Shapes

Commonly used geometric shapes in flowcharts that represent different types of actions or steps in a process.

Rectangle

A shape used in flowcharts to represent a process or operation step.

Diamond

A shape used in flowcharts to indicate a decision point where a yes/no question is asked.

Elongated Oval

A shape used in flowcharts to signify the start or end of a process.

Connector

Lines or arrows that connect different shapes in a flowchart, indicating the flow of the process.

Smart Guides

Visual aids in design software that help align objects relative to each other.

Shape Fill

The color or pattern applied to the interior of a shape in a flowchart.

Align Objects

A function in design software that allows users to align multiple shapes to a common edge or center.

Microsoft Visio

A diagramming and vector graphics application that is used to create flowcharts and other types of diagrams.

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flowchart shapes you can format and arrange in a very specific layout.

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To do that in PowerPoint, you click Insert,

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Shapes and build a chart using shapes from the gallery.

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Specifically use the Flowchart group for the shapes and

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the Lines group for the connectors between shapes.

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As a visual aid for sizing and positioning shapes,

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click View and check Grid lines.

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Back on the Insert tab, Shapes, to choose a shape,

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point to it for a screen tip to see its intended purpose.

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For example, the rectangle is a process shape used for

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the main steps in the process.

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The diamond is the decision shape, used to show a decision point in the process

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and the elongated oval is a terminator shape

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used to start and end the process.

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You want to be sure to use the right shape for the right purpose.

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To insert a shape, click it and drag the crosshairs to draw it.

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Once you've drawn the shape, it's selected

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and the Drawing tools Format tab appears.

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Use the Format tab to apply styles such as a different shape outline.

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To save the style for all your shapes,

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right click the shape and choose Set as default shape.

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We detail shape formatting in movie 2-

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Draw and format flowchart shapes.

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The Shapes gallery is also available on the Format tab in the Insert shapes group.

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I'll click More to display it and I'll insert a process shape.

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As I draw, I'll approximate a size relative to the first shape.

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To match the width of the first shape, I'll drag a sizing

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handle to the left and watch for this smart guide,

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a red line that appears when the edges of the shapes align.

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Next, I'll use Shape fill on the Format tab to give

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the process shape a unique fill color.

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Before I connect the shapes, I'll make sure their center points are aligned,

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I'll press Ctrl to select both shapes

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and on the Format tab I'll click Align objects, Align Center.

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With the shapes aligned, I can draw the connector.

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Let's zoom in a little bit.

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In the Shapes gallery, under Lines, I'll click Arrow

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then I'll draw the arrow from the center handle on the first shape

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to the center handle on the shape below.

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Using styles on the Format tab, style the connector just

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like other shapes, using shape outline for example to change the line style.

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Then right click and set the style as the default line.

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We'll work with connectors in movie 3 - Align flowchart

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shapes and add connectors.

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A final note, if you have a very large chart with upwards

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of 25 shapes, consider breaking it into two

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or creating it in Microsoft Visio.

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