What are the basic flowchart symbols?

Ovals for start and end points, rectangles for process steps, diamonds for decisions, and arrows for the flow between them. In a mind map, node colors can play the role of shapes, for example one color for all decisions.

What is the difference between a flowchart and a decision tree?

A flowchart describes the sequence of steps in a process, and its paths can loop or merge. A decision tree focuses on a choice and branches out to compare the outcome of each option.

Quick Diagrams

Simple Flowchart Template

By RP Hobbyist · Updated October 2026

A flowchart shows the steps of a process in order, with arrows connecting each step to the next. Flowcharts use a few basic elements: start and end points, process steps, and decision points where the flow splits depending on a yes or no answer. They are one of the quickest ways to explain how something works or to spot where a process goes wrong.

This template is the smallest useful flowchart: a Start node, one Decision, a Yes path and a No path, each leading to an End. Add process steps between them, chain more decisions, and rename the paths to describe what actually happens.

Flowchart template as a mind map — The Simple Flowchart template as it opens in the editor.

It opens as a new map with 6 topics already filled in. You don't need an account.

Open in the editor

When to use a Simple Flowchart

Documenting a process so someone else can follow it
Explaining a rule or policy that has conditions
Planning the logic of a program, form or automation
Finding redundant steps or bottlenecks in a workflow

What goes in each branch

Start: Where the process begins, usually a trigger such as "Order received" or "Customer calls".
Decision?: A question with clear answers, such as "Is the item in stock?". Each answer becomes its own path.
Yes Path / No Path: The steps that follow each answer. Add process nodes here, and more decisions if a path splits again.
End: Where each path finishes. Different ends can describe different outcomes, such as "Shipped" or "Back-ordered".

Example: Handling a customer refund request

Start: refund request received
Decision: was the purchase made less than 30 days ago?
Yes path: approve the refund and send a confirmation email. End: refund issued
No path: offer store credit. End: request closed

Tips

Keep each node to one action or question, written as a short verb phrase.
Make sure every decision has an answer for every case, so no path dead-ends.
Keep the main flow running top to bottom or left to right so it reads naturally.
When a flowchart gets large, move sub-processes into their own maps.

Using this template in Neuron Mapping

Click Open in the editor. The template opens as a new map.
Select a topic and press Tab to add a branch under it, or double-click a topic to change its text.
Select a topic to change its color and shape, or add notes to it in Markdown.
When you're done, export the map as a PDF or PNG, or save it to keep editing later.

Everything runs locally in your browser: your map is saved on your device, works offline, and can be exported as PDF, PNG or an editable .nmm file.