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In Visio, create a flowchart by opening the Basic Flowchart template, placing one shape for each meaningful step, connecting the shapes in process order, and labeling steps and decision branches. Use a Cross-Functional Flowchart instead when readers also need to see who is responsible for each step.

Choose a template and open a drawing

A basic flowchart shows the steps in a process. Microsoft’s Basic Flowchart instructions cover both desktop Visio and Visio for the web; exact interface labels can vary by app version.

Desktop Visio

  1. Open Visio and choose File > New > Flowchart > Basic Flowchart. Depending on the version, you may see the shorter route File > New > Basic Flowchart > Create.
  2. Choose Create if prompted. Visio opens a drawing page with the flowchart shapes available for use.

Visio for the web

  1. From the home-page gallery, find the Basic Flowchart category and choose a template option.
  2. Select Create. The first option provides a stencil and blank canvas; other options may open a starter diagram.

Build and label the process

Add one shape for each step

In desktop Visio, drag shapes from the stencil onto the drawing page. Add the actions and decision points needed to explain the process, rather than trying to document every incidental detail at once. A clear start and finish help readers understand where the process begins and ends.

Common shapes include:

  • Start/End: the first or last step.
  • Process: an action in the process.
  • Decision: a point where an outcome determines what happens next, often with branches such as Yes and No.
  • Subprocess: a set of steps defined elsewhere, often on another page.
  • Document: a step that produces a document.
  • Data (Input/Output): information or materials entering or leaving the process.
  • On-page reference: a marker pointing elsewhere on the same drawing.
  • Off-page reference: a link to another page or diagram.

These are common conventions, not a universal rulebook: Microsoft notes that there is no standard, universal meaning for every shape. Agree on the meanings with the people who will create and read the diagram, keep them consistent, and add a legend if they may be unfamiliar.

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Connect shapes in sequence

In desktop Visio, hover over a shape and use an AutoConnect arrow to add and connect the next shape. Alternatively, choose Home > Connector, then drag from one shape to another. In Visio for the web, use the arrows that appear as you work with shapes. Arrange the connections to follow the process from start to finish, including distinct paths out of decision points.

Add text to shapes and branches

Select a shape or connector and type its label. Use short, action-oriented wording for process steps. Label decision branches—such as Yes and No—so readers can tell which route each connector represents. Adjust a connector’s arrow direction or style when needed to make the flow clear.

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Use a cross-functional flowchart for ownership

Choose a Cross-Functional Flowchart when the process needs to show who performs each step, such as a person, team, or department. Its swimlanes and phases make responsibility and timing visible; a basic flowchart is usually simpler when the sequence alone is what matters. Extra lanes can also make a diagram harder to scan, so add them only when they clarify ownership.

For the web version, Microsoft describes the cross-functional diagram as using Swimlane and Separator shapes. Its default orientation is horizontal. The instructions say to create a vertical layout by replacing those shapes, and that the diagram cannot automatically change orientation after it has been started. Decide on horizontal or vertical orientation before adding substantial content. See Microsoft’s cross-functional flowchart instructions and overview of process diagrams in Visio for template details.

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Microsoft’s process-diagram overview states that cross-functional flowcharts for the web are available to Visio Plan 1 and Plan 2 subscribers, but not Visio in Microsoft 365. Plan and feature availability can change, so check Microsoft’s current product information before choosing a plan.

Align the diagram and make it easier to read

Once the main steps and connections are in place, tidy the layout. In desktop Visio, select the drawing’s shapes (or press Ctrl+A when appropriate), then choose Home > Position > Auto Align & Space. If the result does not suit the diagram, undo it and try another option under Align or Position. Microsoft also demonstrates this cleanup in its flowchart video tutorial.

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  • Keep the chart focused on one process or a coherent subprocess.
  • Avoid unnecessary connector crossings; move shapes or adjust connector routes to make paths easier to follow.
  • Use a subprocess or reference for a substantial set of steps defined elsewhere, rather than forcing every detail onto one crowded page.
  • Check that decision outcomes are labeled and that arrow directions match the intended sequence.
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Check which Visio version and plan you have

The creation steps apply across desktop and web versions, but the available app and templates depend on the edition or plan. Microsoft’s beginner tutorial says Visio Plan 1 includes the web version, while Plan 2 includes both the installed app and web version. Its basic-flowchart guidance lists Visio Plan 1, Visio Standard 2024, Visio Professional 2024, and earlier editions among the applicable products. Confirm current entitlements and template availability with Microsoft’s Visio beginner tutorial and product details.

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