Flowcharts

Learn how to present complex information in clear, visual steps using Trainual flowcharts.

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Visually depict your process training and enhance it with seamlessly linked centralized business knowledge, key players, and all essential information in between by using Trainual flowcharts! 🤩

👉 Before you start:

• This feature is available under all Trainual plans.
• The information below is best suited for content creators. For more specifics around which areas of the account and pieces of content your employees can access, review their permissions and subject content access.

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What is a flowchart?

Flowcharts are maps of business processes that show the advancements of step-by-step actions. When delegating tasks or organizing team processes, having ways to easily document procedures becomes crucial.



Creating a flowchart makes it straightforward to help your team...

• Get step information down fast — without much writing.
• Quickly adjust and update content as needed.

And for your learners, you'll see just how engaging and easy-to-follow flowcharts can be when helping your team make quick, informed decisions! 

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Create a brand-new flowchart:

1. Open the subject where you'd like to add a flowchart. 
2. Click on the downward arrow on the "Add content" button. 
3. Select "Flowchart" from the menu.
   
   
   
   
4. Name your flowchart and hit the "Create" button. 
   1. Alternatively: You can jump down to the topic creation line from the subject page to select the "Flowchart" option, add a title, and hit the "Create" button. 
      
      
      
      
5. Drag and drop a shape or textbox from the left-hand toolbar to begin, or click on the "Image" icon to include your own illustration, stock image, or GIF.  

📝 Please note: Flowcharts are currently stationed at the topic level within a subject.

Build out your flowchart:

🔹 Insert and adjust text
Time to brain dump! Enter your process information into your shapes and textboxes.

1. Click into an existing shape or textbox. 
2. Type out your information and make any necessary adjustments to the font size, formatting, color, etc.
3. Click anywhere outside of the shape or textbox to apply the change(s).

📝 Please note: The character limit per shape and textbox is 1000.

🔹 Upload an image, use a stock photo, or include a GIF
Provide visual illustrations that complement your instructions and processes. 

1. Click on the "Image" icon from the left-hand toolbar. 
2. Select the type of image you'd like to add to your flowchart.
3. Hit the "Add image" button. 
4. Arrange your image where you'd like to include it in your flowchart.  

 

🔹 Connect shapes and textboxes
Once two or more shapes are on the flowchart board, you'll be able to connect path lines between those pieces of content.

1. Click on an existing shape or textbox. 
2. Hover over a circle on the outer edge until your cursor appears as a "+"  symbol.
3. Right-click and drag your cursor towards the content you'd like to connect it to.
4. Move your cursor around until you've found the desired path line shape and release. 

🔹 Add color to a shape
Use colors to help differentiate between stages of your process, making it easier to follow and understand your flowchart.

1. Click on an existing shape.
2. Select the circle icon from the pop-up menu. 
3. Choose your preferred color from the options provided, or enter a hex color code.
4. Hit the "Use color" button to apply it. 

 

🔹 Change a shape type
Adjust your shape types, as needed, to clearly represent the various actions, decisions, and components in your process.

1. Click on an existing shape.
2. Select the shapes icon from the pop-up menu.
3. Choose a new shape. The update will display instantly. 
   
   

🔹 Add text to a line 
Including text-based path cues on a line will help your trainees navigate your workflows. Thinking about these additions as information centered around "if this, then that" will help you to include these as you build your flowcharts.

1. Double-click on a drawn line. 
2. Input the necessary information.
3. Hit "Enter" to apply the change. 
   
   

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Link Trainual content, people, and groups to a flowchart:

Ensure your training is crystal clear by including links to other essential Trainual content and connecting people and groups responsibile to your processes.

1. Click on an existing shape. 
2. Hit the "Connections" option from the pop-up menu. 
3. Search for and select the name of the content, person, or group you'd like to link to this step in your flowchart process. 

📝 Please note: Multiple links and different connection types can be added to the same flowchart step. 

🎥 Walkthrough:



🔥 Tip: To quickly reference content, people, or groups, simply "@" mention and select them within your shape or textbox. 

 

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Navigate your flowchart:

👨‍🎨 Edit mode and view mode
Toggle back and forth between updating content ("Edit mode") and reviewing or completing this content ("View mode") by using the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner of the page. 

🟢 Flowchart statuses
There are three different types of statuses your flowchart can be under: draft, pending, and finished. Find the one that works best for your needs at the current stage of your content by using the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

⌨️ Keyboard shortcuts
For quick shape and textbox editing, use the following keyboard shortcuts.

 

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FAQs:

Are flowcharts searchable from the top navigation bar in Trainual?
Yes. Trainual's AI-powered search will use your keyword or question prompt to match and display results that best align, including the content provided in your flowcharts.


Can I work on a flowchart from multiple browser tabs? 
We do not recommend this action! While it is possible, you run the risk of your project work not saving properly, as flowcharts will only auto-save the last known action you took, and prior entries before that save cannot be recovered.


When I link people and groups on a flowchart, do they get notified?
No. This type of connection is primarily for reference information at this time.


Why can't I access and link teammate profiles from my flowchart?
Your company may have the directory and/or org chart settings turned off. Double-check with an admin on your team. If you are still experiencing trouble, contact us. 


Can flowcharts be viewed and accessed via public share? 
Not at this time, but this feature addition is currently in the works. Stay tuned! 


How can I submit my feedback and ideas about features?
If you'd like to share your thoughts about flowcharts or think of something else you'd like to see added in the future, send us your feature requests and ideas.

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Learn more about creating Trainual processes:

• Quickly record and document your SOPs through screen captures.
• Generate subject content outlines with this AI-powered feature — smart outline.
• Create your scalable company playbook using this free Trainual masterclass.