The 6 best flow chart maker tips to improve your charting skills

3. Play with color. If you’re hoping to engage your team or your client – or even create an attention-getting piece for your own use – color is critical. For a professional look, work within the confines of your own company’s palette – or that of a client’s. Just be sure to vary the shades you use for each task or step in the process. For instance, decision points might all be sage green, tasks may all be peach, and the start and end graphics might be burnt orange. This will help avoid confusion and keep your flow diagram interesting.

4. Use your words. Although flow charts are primarily visual representations of processes, floor plans, etc., they should be augmented with explanations. By providing information and context they can help users make sense of flow charts. Just be sure to be brief. Don’t use a full sentence where three words would do – or use three words when one would suffice.

5. Keep your chart to a single page. Flow charts are meant to streamline and simplify understanding – but a chart that spans two or more pages can become pretty confusing pretty quickly. So, keep your chart to a single page (while still making sure your text is legible). That said, some processes are complex and may truly require another page (or several). When that happens, give an overview of the process on the first page, then include a hyperlink, or additional print outs, that illustrate each stage in the process. For instance: If you’re working to explain the advertising process to a new team member, your first chart may include an overall look at the process. Then additional charts might take a deep dive into what happens during the creative process, the ad placement process, or reporting phase of the work.

6. Test and edit. Once complete, ask one or two people to review it. Ideally, you would be able to gather opinions and insights from one person who is familiar with the process or information you’re describing, and one who is not. This way, you can learn how to refine your flow chart based on different perspectives and experience levels. If you don’t have that luxury (either in terms of staff or time), at least take a lunch or coffee break and step away from the chart. Then, with “fresh eyes,” review your chart and make any adjustments necessary before putting it to use.

If you’re new to flow charts, you can experiment with the templates and tools available by creating some for yourself. Try outlining your morning routine, list instructions for how to make coffee, explain how to create a report, or describe your process for hiring new staff. It will help you understand how to use your flow chart maker, and learn how to create diagrams that provide just the right level of information – no matter what the process may be.