![\"\u2192](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/53\/46d3b1c7-3e3b-4386-b78e-8b57f6d95750.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nBulleted lists, Word documents, or even presentations can help convey a process, but they don\u2019t offer the same level of visual clarity and readability that a flowchart does \u2014 especially when trying to map out different steps or stages. So, let\u2019s answer the main questions first: what is a flowchart, and what can you use it for?<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Flowcharts are ideal for outlining processes, which are the backbone of a strong business. In my opinion, a clear, repeatable process has two major hurdles to successful implementation in any business: first, the development of that process, and second, getting buy-in from stakeholders on that process. (Good luck, right?)<\/p>\n The best way to overcome both of these potential roadblocks is to transparently and logically outline a process.<\/p>\n Many businesses use flowcharts to manage this, as flowcharts visually outline a process roadmap for a full-scope understanding. They can also be easily digested by employees who need to know and follow the process.<\/p>\n In a business, flowcharts can be used for any of the following purposes:<\/p>\n You can also use flowcharts for QA work, mapping out your career progression, and much, much more. Additionally, you can take advantage of templates to reduce your workload.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Pre-designed flowchart templates offer multiple benefits. I\u2019ll take a look at them below:<\/p>\n To help you create actionable flowcharts for your organization, I\u2019ve listed the best flowchart templates for you to start using today. These can help you to create a smoother process in any area of your business. The first nine come with a download link for you to start using that template right on Google Slides.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n I feel that this basic flow chart template is a great solution for those just getting started with flowcharts. Why? The template allows its designers to specify a starting point, two potential outcomes, and then the resulting processes of those decisions. Due to its limitations, this flowchart template is best suited for simple processes.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Anyone who needs to map out if-then processes.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> The basic process flowchart is easy to use and follow, and it\u2019s ideal for documenting straightforward or simple processes.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>This flowchart is helpful for those looking to design an A\/B test to determine the best way to get the results they’re looking for.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n The swimlane flowchart template divides the steps of a process into different sectors. For your business, these different sectors could be time periods, teams, employees, or work requirements.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Swimlane flowcharts are particularly helpful for those who oversee cross-functional processes.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template: <\/strong>This template visualizes the different process steps that take place across multiple teams or organizations.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n A task flowchart template simplifies complex processes with unique shapes. Each shape on the flowchart represents something different, forming a quick visual key.<\/p>\n This format is helpful when the work of several teams intertwines throughout a process. This is because it makes it easier for team members to figure out the tasks they’re responsible for.<\/p>\n These roles are often noted in a key on the flowchart for quick reference.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Project managers looking to keep track of various tasks and their outcomes.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> The task flowchart visually depicts how various contributions to a product support the end result. Each stakeholder can see how their tasks impact the flow of the project.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>The shapes can also represent different types of actions, like back-end development of a new element and then front-end testing of those elements to create a QA process.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n For a flowchart that doesn\u2019t need gridlines or different shapes, this template is the best solution in my opinion. It offers the option for multiple endpoints depending on which steps are taken throughout the process. Then it uses simple yes or no answers to drive you toward the endpoint.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Teams looking to manage processes that could have various endpoints or projects that have multiple steps and stakeholders involved.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> Complex processes can be difficult to keep track of. This flowchart template creates an intuitive visual for multi-step processes. This makes it easier to figure out if and when you should move forward.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n The circular flowchart template changes things up with a different shape, but it also offers a different path structure. It helps outline both short and long processes, with different outcomes depending on the number of steps required.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Social media managers, product marketers, and content strategists may find that this template suits their needs.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> This template has a cleaner appearance than some of the more complex flowcharts and may be better for visual learners.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n A linear flowchart template is a solution for when there\u2019s only one optimal result. Every step of the process will either lead someone to that outcome or result in the process simply ending.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart?<\/strong> Email marketing specialists and sales teams can benefit from this template because there\u2019s typically one goal: to earn one more subscriber or earn one more customer.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> With one singular goal, this flowchart format has a clear beginning and end, making it easy to outline a simple process.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>This linear flow can be as long as you\u2019d like it to be. I\u2019ve personally received over 30 emails from the same source trying to get me to opt into their offer. They really hope that I will buy, and I really hope, for their sake, that they automate.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n A tree-style flowchart template makes the most sense for situations where there are multiple choices and when each option has a clear and distinct next step.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart?<\/strong> For businesses, this flowchart would be perfect for the support department \u2014 which can use this template to map out responses from automated chat support or a phone tree.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> Each action has a clear next step and a predetermined outcome, but you can add more than two options, which is often not applicable to other flowcharts.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n Another flowchart businesses might want to use is an organizational flowchart (or org chart<\/a>) template. This is an essential chart that shows who reports to whom and helps all employees understand their position in the business.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>Company and department heads use this template to outline the chain of command in an area of the business. Human Resources teams can also use it to inform team structure and organizational decisions.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> Users can see team structure at a glance and can quickly find who they need to go to for their project or to have their questions answered.<\/p>\n Pro tip: <\/strong>As people take on additional roles and report to various departments, these traditional org charts may not be flexible enough to represent reality. It may just represent a starting point that can help workers get oriented.<\/p>\n Download this Template<\/a><\/p>\n This template is similar to the tree-style flowchart template covered above, however, this template is specifically designed to help users arrive at a decision. Read more about decision trees and their advantages here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>For organizations, this template benefits any department that needs support in decision-making and evaluating different outcomes.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template: <\/strong>Users can see the overarching big picture and simultaneously assess individual potential outcomes for a problem statement. It serves as a visual aid in the process of making a more informed decision.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n This template helps pictorially outline the step-by-step process involved in an algorithm.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>This flowchart template is helpful for people involved in software and app development. Job roles that can benefit from this template include programmers, software engineers, AI\/ML engineers, and data analysts.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template: <\/strong>This template offers a clear visual representation for a more technical process. (Note: While the template is free, advanced features of the Lucidchart platform require a paid plan<\/a>).<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Among the leading online word processors, Google Docs is used by businesses around the world. It makes sense that users would like to create flowcharts from within the platform. This template helps with that. It offers a basic flowchart design, editable within Google Docs.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>This template is beneficial for people who want to build and present flowcharts within Google Docs.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template: <\/strong>It simplifies flowchart creation within Google Docs. Users can click on the download link, make a copy to their Google Docs account, and get started.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Microsoft Excel was downloaded 10.5 million times<\/a> on mobile devices in Q3 of 2024. That\u2019s in just three months \u2014 highlighting the popularity of the spreadsheet tool. Smartsheet offers a basic flowchart template for Excel that can help streamline the process of building a flowchart within the platform.<\/p>\n Who should use this flowchart? <\/strong>This template is helpful for users looking to create a flowchart within Excel.<\/p>\n What I like about this flowchart template:<\/strong> It\u2019s quicker to get right to work rather than spending time constructing a flowchart design using the \u201cShape\u201d elements on the platform.<\/p>\n Now that I\u2019ve shared different flowchart templates, it\u2019s time to look at them in action. I\u2019ll provide examples for the first eight types \u2014 so you can visualize how they would appear when building one yourself.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n This template visualizes how a user visiting a company’s landing page could convert and become a lead. Notice how there are two potential final outcomes, but because of this chart\u2019s simplicity, I can add as many outcomes as I want. With a flowchart like this, it\u2019s important to have clear, defined goals in mind.<\/p>\n In the example above, the swimlanes are divided by department to illustrate the process of the customer journey. This is exceedingly important for determining which teams need to interact with a customer and when.<\/p>\n Without a swimlane flowchart outlining these roles, the customers\u2019 experience with the company can seem haphazard and poorly planned.<\/p>\n In the example above, the different shapes represent the start of, end of, and actions taken during the process of viewing a landing page. This task flowchart example follows an \u201cif this, then that\u201d format. It shows the various outcomes that could occur when a potential customer visits a landing page.<\/p>\n The above hiring visual is an example of a complex flowchart with many events and potential outcomes. It offers two potential outcomes at every stage. Then, it shows with clarity what happens as a candidate moves forward. The colors also make it clear which final outcomes are positive or negative.<\/p>\n In the example above, a circular flowchart offers a decision-making framework.<\/p>\n Here, it\u2019s used to help a social media manager figure out which site to post content on. It includes specific, targeted questions that define the assets the social media manager needs to create and which social platforms these assets are best suited for.<\/p>\n As I mentioned earlier, linear flowcharts can be used for processes that have only one desired outcome. In the above example, it\u2019s for an email nurturing sequence. In the image, the process ends whether someone signs up for an event or not.<\/p>\n A time-bound (or finite) email nurturing sequence is especially a good fit for these types of flowcharts. For continuous email marketing campaigns, I might need a more agile flowchart where I can determine when to move a subscriber to another email list.<\/p>\n In this tree flowchart example, a business depicts the choices and next steps a caller can take when contacting them by phone. Notice that there are many endpoints for the customer depending on their previous action.<\/p>\n A flowchart like this is useful if I\u2019m trying to outline a process with different branches. For instance, I might create a landing page flowchart that determines which form or CTA is depicted to a customer based on their previous activity on my website.<\/p>\n While not exactly procedural, this visualization helps those within the company quickly understand who reports to whom and who handles what.<\/p>\n The best part of this example is that it can be as detailed or as simple as you\u2019d like it to be; you can delve down to your junior individual contributors or simply outline your leadership map.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Flowchart templates are incredibly useful for solving business problems and simplifying processes. That said, some issues need more custom solutions.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve gathered up some free and paid flowchart templates, tools, and software to try out \u2014 I\u2019ll look at the free ones first.<\/p>\n The software and adjustable templates I\u2019ve hunted down can even help your team connect and work together on flowcharts. They make it simple to create unique and easy-to-read flowcharts that fit a variety of needs \u2014 including mine.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll be using demos of the free tools below to establish information flows for my instructional book about floristry. Hopefully, we\u2019ll both learn something new.<\/p>\n Pricing<\/a>: Free, with paid options for extended features and enterprises.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Teams that use flowcharts for a wide variety of users and stakeholders. This tool is also helpful for teams that create flow charts collaboratively or want to include multiple flowcharts in a single document.<\/p>\n What I like: <\/strong>Miro offers tools to build and plan complex flowcharts for teams. Besides visual whiteboard tools, Miro also offers templates for strategy mapping, workflows, UX design, and more. I personally loved the digital sticky note feature that makes it easy to add comments to in-progress flowcharts.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a link<\/a> to their flowchart template.<\/p>\n\n
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What is a flowchart?<\/h2>\n
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How Flowchart Templates Can Help<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Flowchart Templates for Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1.<\/strong> Basic Process Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"basic](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-1-20250312-560439.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n2.<\/strong> Swimlane Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"swimlane](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-2-20250312-6083847.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n3.<\/strong> Task Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"task](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-3-20250312-7761725.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n4.<\/strong> Complex Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"complex](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-4-20250312-9754139.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n5.<\/strong> Circular Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"circular](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-5-20250312-7090096.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n6.<\/strong> Linear Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"linear](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-6-20250312-9696938.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n7.<\/strong> Tree Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"tree](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-7-20250312-625053.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n8.<\/strong> Organizational Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"organizational](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-8-20250312-1555013.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n9. <\/strong>Decision Tree Flowchart Template<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"decision](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-9-20250312-9547364.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n10. <\/strong>Algorithm Flowchart Template From Lucidchart<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"algorithm](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-10-20250312-9798163.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n11. <\/strong>Google Docs Basic Flowchart Template From Smartsheet<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"google](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-11-20250312-2974395.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n12. <\/strong>Excel Basic Flowchart Template From Smartsheet<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"excel](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-12-20250312-7845815.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nFlowchart Examples for Business<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1. Basic Process Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"a\/b](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-13-20250312-9277496.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n2. Swimlane Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"customer](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-14-20250312-3341610.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n3. Task Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"landing](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-15-20250312-6743922.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n4. Complex Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"hiring](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-16-20250312-133396.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n5. Circular Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"social](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-17-20250312-2508655.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n6. Linear Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"email](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-18-20250312-5080928.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n7. Tree Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"phone](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-19-20250312-2551160.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n8. Organizational Flowchart Example<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"organizational](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-20-20250312-2716283.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nFree Flowchart Templates<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Free Flowchart Templates, Tools, and Software<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1.<\/strong> Miro<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"miro](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-21-20250312-9007799.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nWho should use this tool?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2. <\/strong>Draw.io<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"draw.io](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-22-20250312-8576001.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"creating](\"http:\/\/nurseagence.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/flowchart-templates-23-20250312-3878497.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n