From mapping out a new onboarding process, to planning customer journeys and reviewing internal workflows, flow charts are an easy way to make sense of it all. Flow charts are diagrams that help turn complex steps into visual sequences that are easy to follow.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a data flow chart is, show examples of flow charts, and teach you how to create your own with Adobe Express.

What is a data flow chart?

A data flow chart, also known as a data flow diagram, shows how information moves through a system or process. It’s often used to break down inputs and outputs, decision points, and other steps in a process using simple shapes and connectors.

In businesses and education settings, flow charts can help to visualise information flows, marketing funnels, operations, or project pipelines.

There are two types of data flow charts: logical and physical.

Logical data flow charts show what happens at each stage without diving into the physical tech behind it. This is ideal for outlining user journeys, workflows, or marketing funnels as it is more focused on business functions and decision points.

Physical data flow charts show how the system operates in practice and include hardware, databases, staff roles, and tools. This kind of flow chart is often used in IT or process audits.

Benefits of data flow charts.

A clear data flow chart has practical benefits that you can apply across a wide range of business functions. For example:

• Visualising data. Flow charts can make complex systems easier to understand.
• Creating a clear narrative. They can tell the story of a process from beginning to end.
• Documenting complex processes. They can be useful for onboarding, audits, and handovers.
• Standardising workflows. They can help teams follow the same processes.
• Identifying inefficiencies. Data flow charts can help you spot bottlenecks or missing steps quickly.
• Supporting collaboration. They can make it easier to share information compared to long documents or spreadsheets.

Data flow chart examples: When to use them.

To get a better understanding of how data flow charts work, these practical flow chart examples show how you can use them in real-world settings.

Designing a new system or process.

If you need to explain a system or process, a process flow chart can help to outline each step. You can use a process flow chart to show how a new feature, campaign, or service will function, at a glance.

You can include various inputs, actions, outputs, and decisions to help align stakeholders before implementation of the process starts.

Improving workplace communication.

You can also use a flow chart to map internal comms like how messages are sent, approved, and escalated. Visualising this flow and including information on who owns each step and timelines could reduce delays and mistakes.

Sharing knowledge and insights.

Flow charts can be ideal for onboarding documents or internal guides. You can use a simple flow chart to show how to complete or escalate tasks. This could help remote teams to stay consistent in how they work.

Analysing existing processes and systems.

If you need to check your existing processes are working, flow charts can be a great way to audit your operations. Look for repeated steps, long wait times, or unnecessary approvals and use the information in your flow chart to present your findings to the right teams.

Mitigating and identifying risk.

By visualising the steps where errors are most likely, flow charts can help prevent risks and improve compliance or safety efforts within businesses. You can use visual aids like red or warning symbols in your flow chart to mark specific risk points.

How can Adobe Express help you create clear and concise data flow charts?

Whether you need a quick visual or a detailed breakdown, Adobe Express makes it easy to create and customise professional-looking flow charts to suit your project or presentation. Here’s how.

1. Choose from our template library.

Browse editable flow chart templates to help get you started. Then upload your brand assets and personalise your flow chart to your own aesthetic.

2. Create engaging infographics for free.

The more visually engaging your flow chart looks, the more effective it will be. Create an infographic that includes icons, illustrations, and data points to make your design process diagrams easy to digest.

3. Experiment with text effects.

Use colour and fonts to improve the clarity of your flow chart. The text effects tool can help you highlight stages, label outputs, or draw attention to important decisions.

4. Upload your flow chart to a poster or presentation.

You could also repurpose data flow charts into posters or slide decks that you can easily share with your teams. This is great for meetings, pitch decks, or training as it helps people visualise your process while you talk them through it.

5. Explore other ways to visualise your data.

Adobe Express has tools for creating data visualisations like timelines, bar graphs, Gantt charts, and more. These options are perfect for showcasing your results alongside your flow charts.

Showcase your flow charts in a presentation with Adobe Express AI tools.

Use the Adobe Express AI Presentation Maker to turn your flow chart into a polished slide deck. Just enter your topic or structure, and the tool will suggest the slides, section titles, and layout ideas that best suit your content. It’s perfect for marketers who need to present a new process, or small business owners explaining how a product or service works.

Once you’ve created your structure, you can drop in your flow charts, add your own branding, and export your chart as a shareable link or PDF.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

What is the main purpose of a data flow chart?

The main purpose of a data flow chart is to show how data moves through a process, system, or workflow. It presents this information in a visual and logical way that’s easy to understand.

Are data flow charts still used?

Yes, data flow charts are still widely used. Especially in IT, marketing, operations, and product development. They’re a popular tool for process design, improvement, and documentation workflows.

What is the diamond symbol on a data flow chart?

The diamond symbol on a data flow chart is a decision point. It shows where a yes/no or conditional outcome is needed to determine the next step in the process on the flow chart.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.