Flowchart symbols and what they mean

The core symbols

• Terminator (rounded pill): where a flow starts or ends. Label it Start, End, or the event that begins the process.
• Process (rectangle): a single action or step, such as "Pack the order".
• Decision (diamond): a question with two or more exits, usually yes and no. Label every exit.
• Input / Output (parallelogram): data coming into or leaving the process, like a form or a report.
• Arrow (connector): the direction of flow from one step to the next.

Symbols for data and documents

• Document: a single document, such as an invoice.
• Database (cylinder): data stored in a database.
• Stored data and internal storage: data kept for later use inside the system.
• Manual input: information typed in by a person.
• Display: something shown on a screen.
• Paper tape and card: older storage symbols you will mostly meet in legacy diagrams.

Symbols for control and structure

• Predefined process: a step that is described in more detail on another diagram.
• Manual operation: a step a person does by hand.
• Delay: a wait before the next step.
• Loop limit: the start or end of a repeated section.
• Off-page reference: a link to a continuation on another page.
• Merge, collate, summing junction and OR junction: bringing paths or items together.

Using them in NodeFlow

Pick a symbol in the palette, or press A and type its name, such as "decision" or "database". New flowchart shapes start with a sensible label already filled in, in bold at 20 px, so a quick diagram reads clearly from the first click.

Two habits that keep diagrams clear

Use each symbol for one meaning only, and do not mix styles in the same diagram. If you need a symbol that is not on the list, add a small key rather than inventing a new meaning for a standard shape.