Process Mapping Symbols and Notation

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Each element in a process map is represented by a specific symbol. Process symbols are also commonly called flowchart symbols, flowchart shapes or flow diagram symbols. These symbols come from the 

Unified Modeling Language

 or 

UML

, which is an international standard for drawing process maps. These process symbols can be put in the following categories: process/operation symbols, branching and control of flow symbols, input and output symbols, file and information storage symbols and data processing symbols.

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Process & operation symbols

SymbolNameDescription
Process symbol
Process

The most frequently used flowchart shape shows an action, task or operation that needs to be done.

Subroutine symbol
Subroutine

Shows a series of actions related to a task, which itself is part of a larger process. It could also mean that there is already a flowchart for the larger process that can be used as a reference.

Alternate process symbol
Alternate ProcessAn alternative to the regular process step. Lines connecting with the alternate process symbol are usually dashed.
Delay symbol
DelayRepresents a waiting period or delay in the process.
Preparation symbol
PreparationA preparatory step that sets up another step in the process.
Manual loop symbol
Manual LoopA sequence of commands that continually repeats until stopped manually.
Loop limit symbol
Loop LimitThe point at which a loop stops.

Branching & control of flow symbols

SymbolNameDescription
Arrow symbol
ArrowThe arrows indicate the direction in which the flowchart should be read (usually from the top to the bottom and/or the left to the right).
Terminator symbol
TerminatorRepresents the entry and exit points of your flowchart. Usually a flowchart has only one starting point but can have several ending points.
Decision symbol
DecisionThe point at which a decision needs to be made. The arrows flowing from the decision shape are usually labeled with yes, no, true or false.
Connector symbol

 

ConnectorIn order to connect to different page or section of the chart, and you can't draw a line, you can use a circle labeled with a letter. Put another circle with the same letter where the flow continues.
Off-page connector symbol
Off-page Connector

Indicates the process continues off page. A letter or page number in the shape tells you where to go.

Merge symbol
MergeA step where two or more sub-processes merge together and become one.
Extract symbol
ExtractShows when a process divides into different but parallel directions.
Or symbol
OrRepresents when a process diverges, usually for more than two branches.
Summoning or junction symbol
Summoning or JunctionWhen multiple sub-processes merge into a single process.

Input & output symbols

SymbolNameDescription
Input/Output or data symbol
Input/Output or DataRepresents material or information entering or leaving the process. Receiving a report is an input. Generating a report is an output.
Document symbol
DocumentIndicates a process step that generates a document or report.
Multiple documents symbol
Multiple DocumentsA process step that produces multiple documents or reports.
Display symbol
DisplayA step that displays information to a person.
Manual input symbol
Manual InputRepresents a step where a user must input information manually.

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File & information storage symbols

SymbolNameDescription
Stored data symbol
Stored Data SymbolRepresents a step in the process where data gets stored.
Database SymbolA list of information with a standard structure that allows for searching and sorting.
Direct access storage symbol
Direct Access Storage SymbolRepresents a hard drive.
Internal storage symbol
Internal Storage SymbolUsed in programming to represent information stored in memory instead of on a file.

Data processing symbols

SymbolNameDescription
Collate symbol
Collate SymbolRepresents a process that organizes data or materials into a standard format.
Sort symbol
Sort SymbolIndicates the sorting of data, information, and materials into a pre-determined order.

Process mapping symbols tip

Many of these process mapping symbols are best used only in very specific technical situations where all participants understand the symbols being used. For regular process mapping, basic flowchart shapes like process and operations symbols are a perfect choice. It’s also a good idea to include a symbol key and use best practices when creating a flowchart. Learn more about process mapping in our complete guide to process mapping.


Helpful Resources

Lucidchart has an intuitive drag-and-drop feature that makes it easy to create flowcharts with both basic and customized process map symbols—you can even use your own images.

Want to create your own process map? Try Lucidchart. It's fast, easy, and totally free.

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