What is a basic flowchart?
A basic flowchart is the fastest way to show how a piece of work moves from a trigger to a finished result. This template gives you the standard shapes in the right order — an oval to start, rectangles for each step and an oval to finish — already joined by arrows, so you only have to type your own steps.
When to use it
- Documenting a simple, linear process such as publishing a blog post or onboarding a new hire.
- Explaining a routine to someone new before writing a longer checklist.
- Sketching the happy path of a feature before you add edge cases.
How to make a basic flowchart in SketchFlow
- Step 1: Open the template in SketchFlow; it loads onto your board ready to edit.
- Step 2: Double-click each label and type your own start event, steps and end result.
- Step 3: Need another step? Select a rectangle, press Ctrl/Cmd+D to duplicate it and drag it into line.
- Step 4: Press A and drag from one shape to the next to add an arrow; it stays attached when you move the shapes.
- Step 5: Export the finished flow as PNG or SVG, or copy a share link from the top bar.
Tips for a better result
- Start every step label with a verb (Review, Send, Approve) so the flow reads as actions.
- Keep one idea per box; if a label needs two lines, it is probably two steps.
- Flows read left to right or top to bottom — avoid arrows that double back.
Questions about this template
What shapes does a basic flowchart use?
Ovals (ellipses) mark the start and end, rectangles hold process steps and arrows show the order. Diamonds are only needed once the flow contains a yes/no decision.
Can I make the flowchart vertical instead?
Yes. Select everything with Ctrl/Cmd+A, then drag the shapes into a column; the arrows are bound to the shapes and follow them.
Is this flowchart template free?
Yes. SketchFlow and its templates are free to use in your browser with no account, and you can export the result as PNG or SVG.