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When the line is formatted as you like, set it as a default line. Under the Shape Format tab, use the options to format the connector. The lines menu opens. Click on the line you wish to use. To insert an arrow, go to Insert > Lines. Next, you’re going to want to connect the shapes with lines or arrows. Use the gridlines to arrange them on your document. Repeat the previous steps to create all the shapes you need for your flowchart. Under the Home tab, use the formatting options to select the font, font size, and other attributes. If you wish to format the text inside a shape, select the shape.
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The text will appear inside the selected shape. To add text inside a flowchart shape, first select the shape. Use the options on the Shape Format ribbon to format the shape’s fill color, border, and other attributes. Click and drag the crosshair to create the shape to the size you want. If you hover over any shape, a tip-tool appears, letting you know what the shape means. Now you’re ready to start inserting shapes. To switch on the gridlines, go to View > Gridlines. Aside from showing you guide lines, when gridlines are on, shapes and lines snap to regular spaces, making it easy to align elements. This will make it much easier for you to create a nice-looking flowchart. Display Gridlinesīefore getting started, make sure to switch on gridlines. The first way to create a flowchart in Word is by inserting shapes in your document. Method One: Create a Flowchart in Word With Shapes
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If you’re using a different version of the application, the interface and steps may be different.
#Word build graph for mac#
Note: For this tutorial, I used Microsoft Word for Mac version 16. Use the method that lets you make the flowchart you envision. Word offers two ways to create a flowchart.
#Word build graph how to#
In this tutorial, I walk you step-by-step through how to make a flowchart in Microsoft Word using basic shapes. Whether you need just the basics or specialized shapes, you can find them in Word. But the above basic flowchart symbols should be enough for the most common charts. Other shapes are used in flowcharts for very specific applications like data flow diagrams. Either an input needed for the process, or an output that goes into the next step. In a flowchart, each shape holds a meaning. It’s most effective for depicting a process, data flow, workflow, or decision steps.
#Word build graph series#
You can make your own flowchart in MS Word, or you can use a Word template with a flowchart built in to save time.Ī flowchart is a graphical representation of a series of steps or actions. You can make the flowchart right inside Microsoft Word, no programming or design skills required. And if you know how to make a flowchart in Word, you don’t need a different diagram-creation tool. A diagram is worth a thousand words, especially if you’re trying to explain a process.
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