Question 1

How do you make a flowchart online for free?

Accepted Answer

To make a flowchart online for free using SmallStudyTools, click 'Add Node' to place a box on the canvas, drag it to position it, then double-click to type a label inside it. Repeat to add more nodes representing each step in your process. Click 'Connect', then click two nodes in sequence to draw an arrow between them. Choose from rectangle, oval, diamond and parallelogram shapes for different step types, and pick a colour for each node. No account or signup is required, and your flowchart saves automatically in your browser.

Question 2

What do the different flowchart shapes mean?

Accepted Answer

Standard flowchart notation assigns specific meanings to shapes. An oval or rounded rectangle represents the start or end point of a process. A rectangle represents a process step or action. A diamond represents a decision point with multiple possible outcomes (commonly Yes/No branches). A parallelogram represents input or output, such as data entry or a printed report. A hexagon represents a preparation or setup step. Following these conventions makes flowcharts immediately understandable to anyone familiar with standard flowchart notation, including in academic, business and technical contexts.

Question 3

What is the difference between a flowchart and a process map?

Accepted Answer

A flowchart and a process map are closely related and the terms are often used interchangeably, but a flowchart typically refers to a sequential diagram showing the logical flow of steps and decisions in a process, often used in programming, algorithm design and basic procedure documentation. A process map (or process flow diagram) usually adds more context such as responsible parties, timing, inputs and outputs, and is more common in business process management and operations documentation. Both use similar shapes and arrow conventions.

Question 4

How do you show a decision in a flowchart?

Accepted Answer

A decision in a flowchart is represented by a diamond shape containing a question that has a limited set of possible answers, most commonly Yes/No or True/False. Each possible answer becomes a separate arrow leading out of the diamond to a different next step, with the arrow labelled to indicate which answer it represents. For example, a diamond asking 'Payment Received?' would have one arrow labelled 'Yes' leading to a 'Process Order' step, and another arrow labelled 'No' leading to a 'Send Reminder' step.

Question 5

Can I use a flowchart for a programming algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Yes — flowcharts are one of the oldest and most widely taught tools for visualising programming logic and algorithms before writing actual code. Standard flowchart shapes map directly onto programming constructs: ovals represent the start and end of the program, rectangles represent individual operations or assignments, diamonds represent conditional statements (if/else logic), and parallelogram shapes represent input and output operations. Many introductory computer science and programming courses require students to design a flowchart before implementing the corresponding code.

Question 6

What is the best free tool to make a flowchart?

Accepted Answer

The best free flowchart tool depends on your needs, but a good option should offer true drag-and-drop node placement, multiple standard flowchart shapes, easy arrow connections between steps, and export options like PNG or SVG. SmallStudyTools' Flowchart Generator provides all of this with no signup required, plus a free Pro Mode adding custom colours, additional shapes, pre-built templates for common flowchart types, connector labelling, and SVG and PDF export for sharing or printing.

Question 7

What does Pro Mode add to the flowchart generator?

Accepted Answer

Pro Mode (free) adds: a full custom colour picker with hex input beyond the basic presets; two additional shapes (hexagon for preparation steps and document shape for reports); connector styling including curved and right-angle line options, double arrows, dashed lines, and custom text labels on any connector; three ready-made templates (Basic Process, Decision Tree, Approval Workflow); snap-to-grid for precise alignment; zoom controls; and SVG and PDF export in addition to PNG.

Question 8

Can I edit a flowchart after I've made it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every element of a flowchart built with this tool remains fully editable at any time. You can drag any node to a new position, double-click to change its label, click it to change its colour or shape, and click any connector arrow to change its line style or label. Your flowchart is automatically saved in your browser as you work, so you can close the tab and return later to continue editing without losing your progress.

Shape	Name	Represents
⬭ Oval	Terminal	Start or end point of the process
▭ Rectangle	Process	A single action, task or operation
◇ Diamond	Decision	A branching point with Yes/No or multiple outcomes
▱ Parallelogram	Input/Output	Data entry, a report, or a printed document
⬡ Hexagon	Preparation	A setup or initialisation step before the main process
📄 Document	Document	A specific paper-based output or record

Flowchart Generator

Flowchart Generator — Build Process Diagrams with Drag and Drop

Standard Flowchart Shapes and What They Mean

Decisions and Branching Logic

Who Uses Flowcharts

Pro Mode — Seven Advanced Features

How to Build Your Flowchart

Frequently Asked Questions