Decision symbol (flowchart diamond)

The decision symbol is a diamond-shaped flowchart shape that marks a point where the process branches — typically a yes/no question with two outgoing arrows for the two possible answers.

Labeling rules

• Phrase the label as a question ending in "?", not as a statement. "Approved?" is right; "Approval" is not.
• Label the outgoing arrows with the answers ("Yes" / "No", or the specific values if it is a multi-branch decision).
• Keep the question binary when possible — multi-branch diamonds become hard to read past three options.
• Each branch must eventually rejoin the main flow or reach an end state; a decision with a dangling arrow is a bug.

Common mistakes

• Using a diamond for an action ("Send email"). Actions go in a rectangle.
• Forgetting to label one of the branches so readers have to guess which arrow is "yes".
• Chaining many diamonds without a merge point, producing a chart that spider-webs across the page.

The other shapes live on the symbols reference.