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.
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.
Need to move the topic? Just drag and drop it to a new location.
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.
When you create a flowchart, some options on the menu change to reflect the unique features available with this type of map.
Click the New Topic icon to add a topic after the selected topic.
Click the New Decision icon to add a decision diamond with "Yes" and "No" decision topics above and below the diamond.
You can also place topics the map and then create relationships as needed:
Need to move the topic? Just drag and drop it to a new location.
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.
Nudge selected topic | Arrow keys |
Add topic to the right of selected topic | Enter |
Add topic to the left of selected topic | Shift+Enter |
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