7 Easy Steps to Make a Flowchart in EdrawMax

Introduction

Flowcharts provide various benefits to a business. For example, they build clarity, simplify a process, and communicate ideas effectively. However, creating the perfect flowchart that addresses a problem and describes the solution process is a skill. 

Traditionally, people used to create flowcharts on a paper. But today, you can use great tools like EdrawMax to create charts and maps quickly. It is easy to make maps and diagrams on a flowchart maker with its advanced features for chart creation. But how to make one?

In the following guide, let's dive deep into how to make a flowchart and explore the step-by-step process to create one in EdrawMax!

Why Choose EdrawMax for Flowchart Creation?

EdrawMax is the best all-in-one tool for making flowcharts. It has advanced features, giving it an edge over other chart makers like Visio, Excel, and SmartDraw. For instance, it has a simple interface, easily accessible tools, and hundreds of shapes and symbols.  

In EdrawMax, you can find over 26000 symbols and shapes. The tool also supports combining two or more shapes to create a new one. You can access basic chart shapes in the left column and drag them onto the canvas. Or, draw custom shapes with circles, ovals, and other shape tools.

The best thing? Each shape will have default text blocks and connection points. It saves time and effort as you do not have to add text boxes and connectors individually. All these features make flowchart creation a piece of cake in EdrawMax. It’s a software for both beginners and experts, as there is no need to learn complex tutorials to use the tool. 

Another excellent feature of EdrawMax is its template community. You can find more than 14000 free editable templates uploaded by other users. When in a hurry, one search can give you thousands of customizable templates. With these editable templates, you can save time and double your productivity.

Steps To Create The Flowchart 

Creating a flowchart in EdrawMax is no rocket science. With a vast collection of shapes and symbols, you can easily make a chart in a few simple steps. Generally, there are seven steps for flowchart creation in EdrawMax- flowchart maker, as follows.

1. Determine the Purpose

Before you start working on your flowchart, it's important to define its clear purpose. You need to be sure of the "problem" that the chart will resolve at the end. It is also better to brainstorm a few ideas to help create the steps of the chart later. 

2. Download the Program

You can create a flowchart using EdrawMax. But it has limited features compared to the desktop application and requires a subscription to upgrade to all features. On the other hand, the desktop application is free to use and install. You can download the EdrawMax program for Windows, macOS, and Linux from here.  

3. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

After successfully installing EdrawMax, it’s time to create a flowchart. As mentioned earlier, you can make a chart from scratch or customize an editable template. Editing templates is easier and quicker than creating the entire flowchart. You can access hundreds of templates on the EdrawMax template community, as mentioned below:

1. Open EdrawMax. 

2. In the left column, click Templates. 

3. Here, you can search for diagrams in the search bar. For instance, type "org charts," and the page will show you hundreds of already-made flowchart examples. Click on Use Immediately to instantly edit a chart. 

If you have a particular design in mind, you can create a flowchart on EdrawMax from scratch. 

1. Open EdrawMax. 

2. In the left column, click New > Recommended. 

3. Select Blank Drawing to open an empty canvas. 

4. Add Symbols and Shapes

The left column in the canvas contains Basic Flowchart Shapes, which you can drag and drop into the empty space. 

If you are looking for special flowchart symbols, click on More Symbols at the top of the column. Here, you’ll find many categories with multiple subsets for different diagram and chart types. 

Here, you should go back to your rough draft and find the shapes required to make a flowchart. Drag a shape and drop it into the canvas. Do this with all the needed shapes. 

At this step, you should also enter data into the shapes. Double-click any symbol to access the default text box and enter the required data.  

5. Link the Shapes

You can link the shapes using the Connectors tool. EdrawMax provides three different types of connectors (curved, straight, and freeform) to link one shape to another. 

Select the required connector type from the Connectors in the Tools tab. Take the cursor on a shape and start dragging the cursor from one shape to the other to create an arrow. For decision shape, the connector tool automatically adds a YES and NO in the chart. 

6. Customize Physical Appearance

The first draft of your flowchart is ready. Now, finish it by customizing its physical features. In EdrawMax, you can enjoy the following customization features:

• Click on a shape to access the floating menu. It has the options to edit formatting like font size, type, color, text alignment, etc. 

• In the floating menu, select Styles to access over 40 different pre-added shape styles. 

• If you don’t want to use a pre-added style, use features like Fill and Line to edit your shape style. 

• Press Ctrl + A on the keyboard to select all the objects on the canvas. Or, you can select multiple shapes while pressing the Ctrl button on the keyboard. Use the Group feature to lock the selected objects in place.  

7. Export the Chart

Once the flowchart is ready, you can export and save it in a unique format. EdrawMax offers you 14 different formats to export your charts. Go to File > Export & Send > select the desired format and click Export. 

You can also save your designed chart in the .eddx format to edit it later. Go to File > Save as > select the required folder > Save. 

Conclusion

No doubt, EdrawMax is the best chart maker software, thanks to its excellent creation and customization features. You can easily create all flowchart types by following the seven steps mentioned above. 

It is also important to make flowcharts that carefully tackle the problem and offer a practical solution. So, always make sure not to stuff your chart with many objects and avoid inconsistent flow. You should avoid sparkling color schemes that may overwhelm the eyes and make it hard to read text.