How to make a Flowchart in Microsoft Word?

Creating a flowchart in Microsoft Word involves using shapes, lines, and connectors. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Create a Flowchart in Word:

1. Open Microsoft Word:
   • Launch Microsoft Word on your computer.
2. Insert a Drawing Canvas:
   • Go to the “Insert” tab in the Word ribbon.
   • Click on “Shapes” in the Illustrations group.
   • Select “New Drawing Canvas” at the bottom of the Shapes menu.
3. Add Shapes:
   • In the Drawing Canvas, click on the “Shapes” menu again.
   • Choose a shape representing the first step in your flowchart, like a rectangle for a process.
   • Click and drag on the canvas to draw the shape.
4. Add Text to Shapes:
   • Double-click on the shape to add text or right-click and choose “Edit Text.”
   • Enter the text for the first step.
5. Connect Shapes:
   • Use the “Lines” or “Arrow” shapes from the “Shapes” menu to draw lines connecting the shapes.
   • Connectors automatically attach to shapes and adjust when you move them around.
6. Add More Shapes:
   • Repeat steps 3-5 to add more shapes and connectors for each step in your flowchart.
7. Format Shapes and Lines:
   • Click on a shape or line to select it.
   • Use the formatting options in the Drawing Tools Format tab to change colors, line styles, and more.
8. Align and Arrange:
   • To keep your flowchart neat, use the “Align” and “Arrange” options in the Drawing Tools Format tab.
9. Add Decision Symbols:
   • For decision points, use diamond-shaped symbols. Insert them from the Shapes menu and connect them with lines.
10. Add Terminator and End Symbols:
    • For the start and end points, use oval shapes or other suitable symbols.
11. Review and Edit:
    • Regularly review your flowchart to make sure it accurately represents the process.
12. Save Your Document:
    • Save your Word document to ensure you don’t lose your work.
13. Export (Optional):
    • If needed, you can export your flowchart as an image or another format for use in other applications.

Tips:

• Use the “Snap to Grid” option in the Drawing Tools Format tab to easily align shapes.
• To add more shapes later, simply go back to the Shapes menu and choose the desired shape.