Flowcharts are useful to create when you need a visual representation of how things progress or flesh out structures and paths to possible solutions for problems and the like. Microsoft Powerpoint allows users to create their own flow charts through the use of different functions. However, it could take some time if you are a beginner learning just how to do so. If you intend to customise your own flowchart, you can do so by using these 5 steps:
1. Layout
Before you begin creating your flowchart, make sure you have a clear layout planned to arrange information in a clear structured pattern that can be easily deciphered within minutes. To begin creating your layout, you will have to first create shapes. Look under the insert tab of your Microsoft Powerpoint and select shapes, there would be a specific section of shapes that are best catered to flowcharts, but you are essentially free to choose the shapes you want. Click and drag to draw your shapes, this should enable the formatting tab. Keep drawing until you have a basic layout.
2. Styles
Making use of the Format tab, you can begin to apply styles to your drawn shapes, for example the line thickness and outline or fill colour. Keep structuring until your shapes are to your requirements. Once you have done this, you can begin directing and connecting your flow chart layout by using the Shapes gallery and choosing the connector type you want. Look at the center handles of the shapes you wish to connect. Start drawing from the first shape and drag it over to the second shape so that they are now connected.You can also apply styles to your connector as well! You can set this as a default by right clicking and setting.
3. Colour code
In order to easily organise information on your flowchart and make it reader friendly, you can decide to group your flowchart by colour coding different sections based on different categories. A good recommendation on colour coding would be to use 2-3 different colours to do so. This allows visual engagement and draws focus on the flowchart so users take the time to decipher it’s meaning. You can also apply colour to text so that it stands out but a general idea would be to keep the colour of the text consistent within your flowchart, unless there are details to be highlighted.
4. Text
Once you have finished structuring your flowchart completely, you can begin to add the information you wish to input. If you are copy pasting from a document and the like, make sure to use the paste special option and select unformatted text so that previously applied formatting will not be applied into your flowchart. This is to prevent it’s layout and structure from going awry or becoming difficult to read.
5. Finish
Before finishing your flowchart, take a look at it in slide show view and check to ensure all elements are mistake free. If you are satisfied with what you have finished, make sure to save it as a template so you will be able to reuse it whenever the situation arises.
With these steps in mind, you will be able to successfully create your very own flowchart depending on what information you want to make available. Functional, concise and structured, you will no longer have to struggle through explaining detail to your audience when there is a good visual representation for them to reference.
