Create a Flowchart in PowerPoint

Creating a flowchart in PowerPoint can help you visualize a process, workflow, or decision-making path without using a separate diagramming tool. PowerPoint provides built-in options such as Shapes and SmartArt, so you can create a flowchart directly on a slide.

In this guide, you'll learn how to create a flowchart in PowerPoint using Shapes and SmartArt, as well as how to edit and customize it. We'll also cover what you can do with your flowchart after it's finished, including saving and working with it as a PDF.

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How to Create a Flowchart in PowerPoint

There are two common ways to create a flowchart in PowerPoint:

• Shapes: Best when you want more control over the layout, connectors, and individual elements of your flowchart.
• SmartArt: Best when you already have a list of steps and want to turn it into a visual diagram quickly.

For a simple, linear process, SmartArt can save time. If your flowchart contains multiple branches, decisions, or a more customized layout, Shapes give you more flexibility.

Method 1: Create a Flowchart with Shapes

Using Shapes gives you control over where each element appears on the slide. This makes it useful for detailed workflows, decision trees, and flowcharts with multiple branches.

Step 1. Insert Flowchart Shapes

• Open PowerPoint and go to the slide where you want to create the flowchart.
• Select Insert > Shapes.

• Scroll to the Flowchart section to see the available flowchart shapes.
• Select a shape and click or drag on the slide to place it.
• Repeat the process to add the shapes you need.

Common flowchart shapes include:

Step 2. Arrange the Shapes

Once you've added the main elements, arrange them in the order in which the process occurs.

Try to keep the flow moving consistently from top to bottom or left to right. Leave enough space between shapes so that connectors remain easy to follow.

If your flowchart contains several branches, position related steps together and leave enough room for each branch to remain visually distinct.

Step 4. Add Text to the Shapes

You can usually add text directly to a shape by selecting it and typing.Keep the text short and descriptive. For example, instead of:

"Check whether the customer has completed all the required information",you could use: "Check customer information "

Short labels make a flowchart easier to scan.

If you need a separate label, you can also use Insert > Text Box to add text outside the shapes.

Step 5. Customize Your Flowchart

After creating the basic structure, customize the appearance of your flowchart.

You can adjust:

• Shape colors
• Fill and border styles
• Font size and formatting
• Shape size
• Connector styles
• Alignment and spacing

Method 2: Convert Existing Text into a Flowchart with SmartArt

If you already have a list of steps in PowerPoint, you may not need to create every shape manually. SmartArt can turn structured text into a visual diagram.

Step 1. Insert SmartArt

Go to Insert > SmartArt

Step 2.Choose a Process Layout

In the Choose a SmartArt Graphic dialog box, select Process, then choose a layout that fits your workflow.

Step 3.Add Your Steps

Replace the [Text] placeholders with the steps in your process. You can also use the Text Pane to enter and organize the content. 

Step 4.Customize the SmartArt 

With the SmartArt selected, use the SmartArt Design options to change the layout, colors, and style.

What to Do with Your Flowchart After Creating It

Creating the flowchart is only the first part of the workflow. Once your diagram is finished, you may need to share it with teammates, keep a finalized copy, or make small changes later. 

PowerPoint is useful when you need to continue editing the original presentation. However, PDF can be a convenient format when you want to share a finalized version while keeping the document's layout consistent.

Wondershare PDFelement provides tools for working with PDF files, including PDF conversion, editing, annotation, organization, and sharing.This makes it useful as a next step in a flowchart workflow: create the diagram in PowerPoint, export it as a PDF, and then continue working with the finished document when needed.  

Here are some ways PDFelement can help with your flowchart PDF.

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Annotate the Flowchart for Review

Flowcharts are often used to explain processes and gather feedback from teammates.

For example, someone reviewing your workflow may need to:Highlight a specific step, Add a comment, Mark an area that needs revision.

PDFelement provides PDF annotation and markup tools that can be used to add this type of feedback to the flowchart PDF. 

Edit PDF

Sometimes you may notice a typo or need to make a small change after exporting your flowchart.

Instead of going back to the original PowerPoint file for every minor correction, you can open the PDF in PDFelement and edit supported PDF content directly.

PDFelement provides editing tools for text, images, links, and other PDF objects, allowing you to make changes to the finished document when needed.

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Convert Flowchart PDF

• For this option, you can either use the buttons on the "Convert" tab.
• In the toolbar, you'll see some frequently used conversion formats like "To Word," "To Excel," and so on; clicking on a format will open a "Save As" window, where you can name the file and choose the target folder location.
• When you hit "Save" in the Explorer window, your PDF will be converted accurately into the chosen format.

Conclusion

PowerPoint provides two practical ways to create a flowchart: Shapes give you greater control over the layout, while SmartArt can quickly turn structured text into a visual process.

After creating and reviewing your flowchart, you can save it as a PDF when you need a finalized, shareable version. If you need to make further changes, add annotations, or manage the finished document, PDFelement can extend the workflow beyond PowerPoint and help you continue working with the flowchart as a PDF.

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