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Adding flowchart topics

A flowchart consists of several different types of topics, including decisions to describe the components of a process. The capsule-shaped "Start" topic appears on a new flowchart automatically. You can then add new topics using the Quick Add tabs, the menu commands, or keystrokes.  You can even add topics and relationships "free-form," by double clicking the background to create the topics, then dragging and dropping the relationship lines between topics.

Tip: Flowchart topics are framed in green; regular map topics are framed in blue.

A feature that is unique to the flowchart is Add Decision.  This inserts a diamond shape decision topic with rectangles above and below, linked by relationship lines labeled "Yes" and "No." Using the decision topic allows you to create forking paths in the process flow, then follow those paths to determine potential outcomes.

Tip: You can edit the text in the "Yes" and "No" box to reflect other types of forks, such as "True" or "False."

You also have the option to add a simplified version of the Decision topic (Add Decision Only) with only the diamond.

Add flowchart topics:

To add a flowchart topic:

Once you have created a new flowchart, it's easy to start building it using the Quick Add tabs, and dragging and dropping the topics into place.

Add topic

Need to move the topic? Just drag and drop it to a new location.

To add a decision to a flowchart topic:

Once you have created a new flowchart, it's easy to start building it using the Quick Add tabs, and dragging and dropping the topics into place.

Note: You can also add a decision choosing Insert > Decision Only or clicking the New Decision button on the Insert tab. You can also choose the position of the new decision topic.

Add flowchart topics using Quick Add tabs:

When you create a flowchart, some options on the menu change to reflect the unique features available with this type of map.

To add topics using the menu:

  1. Click the New Topic icon to add a topic after the selected topic.

  2. Click the New Decision icon to add a decision diamond with "Yes" and "No" decision topics above and below the diamond.

Add topics "free-form":

You can also place topics the map and then create relationships as needed:

Add topic

Need to move the topic? Just drag and drop it to a new location.

Create a new flowchart from an existing flowchart:

To add to or modify an existing flowchart without changing the original, use the Save As command in the File tab to save the flowchart under a new name.

Note: You cannot save a flowchart as an OPML file or an HTML file.

Create topic using keystrokes:

Nudge selected topic Arrow keys
Add topic to the right of selected topic Enter
Add topic to the left of selected topic Shift+Enter

 


Related Topics

Understand flowcharts versus maps

Create a new flowchart

Edit and format flowchart topics

Creating a new map

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