Connector symbol (on-page and off-page)
A connector symbol continues the flow somewhere else instead of drawing a long line to it. The on-page connector is a small circle with a letter or number; the flow jumps to the matching circle on the same chart. The off-page connector is a pentagon, pointing to another page or another chart. Both exist to keep a busy flowchart readable.
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Create Your Flowchart FreeConnector or flow line
A flow line is the arrow between two shapes, and it is always the first choice: a reader can follow a line with their eye. A connector replaces a line only when the line would cross most of the chart, tangle through other arrows, or leave the page entirely.
Connectors come in matching pairs. The circle labelled A where the flow leaves must have a circle labelled A where it resumes. An unmatched connector is a dead end that looks like a continuation, which is worse than a long line.
On-page and off-page
On-page connectors (circles) jump within one chart. Off-page connectors (pentagons) send the reader to another page or another chart, and should say where: "Continues in Returns process" or a page reference.
- Label every connector with a letter or number, and use each label exactly twice.
- Prefer a line whenever it can be drawn without crossing others.
- Use an off-page connector, or a predefined-process box, when a flow continues in another chart.
- A chart that needs many connectors is usually two charts.
Connectors in ProcessFlowchart.app
Because the editor lays the chart out and routes the lines for you, most charts never need a connector: connections are typed as step numbers in the Line To column, and the router finds a path. For a flow that genuinely continues in another chart, the Page connector and Off-page connector shapes are both available in the Shape column.
Frequently asked questions
What does a small circle mean in a flowchart?
It is an on-page connector. The flow continues at the other circle with the same letter or number on the same chart, instead of a long line being drawn between them.
What is an off-page connector?
A pentagon-shaped symbol that shows the flow continues on another page or in another chart. It should say where the flow continues.
What is the difference between a connector and a flow line?
A flow line is the arrow drawn between two shapes. A connector is a pair of symbols that stand in for a line that would be too long or too tangled to draw.
When should I use connectors?
Only when a line would cross much of the chart or leave the page. Too many connectors make a chart hard to follow, and usually mean it should be split.
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