# Flowchart Maker

Describe nodes and connections in Mermaid-style syntax and generate a layered flowchart diagram

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/flowchart-maker

- **Category:** Data Visualization

- **Keywords:** flowchart, flow chart, diagram, mermaid, process, nodes, arrows

## Overview

Parses a compact, Mermaid-like text format (A[Step] --> B{Decision}) into nodes and directed edges, assigns each node to a layer with a longest-path algorithm, lays the layers out evenly per the chosen direction, and renders an SVG flowchart with arrowheads and optional edge labels.

## Inputs

- **Flow Definition** (textarea): Mermaid-style flow: A\[Label\] --> B, with optional |edge label| and shapes \[rect\], {diamond}, (stadium)
- **Direction** (select)
- **Node Shape** (select)
- **Color Scheme** (select)

## When to use

- When you need to quickly map out a process or decision tree without manually dragging and positioning shapes in a graphic editor.
- When documenting software logic, API workflows, or system architectures using a simple, version-control-friendly text format.
- When you want to generate clean, scalable SVG flowcharts with consistent spacing and alignment automatically.

## How it works

- Input your process steps and connections using a simple text syntax, such as A\[Start\] --> B{Decision}.
- Select your preferred layout direction (like Top to Bottom or Left to Right) and choose a default node shape and color scheme.
- The tool parses the text, calculates node layers using a longest-path algorithm, and renders a structured SVG flowchart with arrowheads and edge labels.

## Use cases

- Mapping user authentication and authorization decision flows for developer documentation.
- Visualizing business operations, approval chains, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Designing troubleshooting trees and customer support routing paths.

## Frequently asked questions

### What syntax does the Flowchart Maker use?

It uses a compact, Mermaid-like syntax where nodes are defined with labels (e.g., A[Label]) and connected with arrows (e.g., -->).

### Can I add labels to the connection lines?

Yes, you can add labels to edges by placing the text between vertical bars, like this: -->|label|.

### What layout directions are supported?

You can choose Top to Bottom (TB), Bottom to Top (BT), Left to Right (LR), or Right to Left (RL).

### What node shapes can I choose from?

The tool supports rectangle, rounded, stadium, and diamond shapes for the flowchart nodes.

### Can I customize the colors of the diagram?

Yes, you can select from predefined color schemes including Default, Warm, Cool, and Pastel.

## Related tools

- [Stream Graph Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/stream-graph): Generate smooth stream graphs for visualizing time-series data flow, perfect for showing changes in composition over time with organic, flowing shapes
- [Venn Diagram Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/euler-diagram-generator): Generate customizable Venn diagrams to visualize set relationships, intersections, exclusions, and hierarchical structures
- [Grouped Bar Chart Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/grouped-bar-chart): Generate grouped bar charts for comparing multiple categories side by side, perfect for multi-category comparisons and comparative analysis
- [Histogram Maker](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/histogram-maker): Bin numeric data into intervals and draw a histogram to visualize a statistical distribution
- [Chord Diagram Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/chord-diagram-generator): Generate interactive chord diagrams for visualizing bidirectional flows and relationships between entities
- [Funnel Chart Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/funnel-chart-generator): Generate customizable funnel charts from data, perfect for showing conversion rates, sales pipelines, and process flows
- [Milestone Chart Generator](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/milestone-chart): Generate project milestone charts with timeline nodes and key achievement points
- [Org Chart Maker](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/org-chart-maker): Render hierarchical JSON into a vertical organizational chart with names and titles

## Samples

- [Android Image Processing Java Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-java): Android Java image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [Android Image Processing Kotlin Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/android-image-processing-kotlin): Android Kotlin image processing examples including reading/saving images, scaling, and format conversion
- [Web Image Processing Python Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-python): Web Python image processing examples using PIL/Pillow including reading, saving, resizing, and format conversion
- [Web Image Processing Rust Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-rust): Web Rust image processing examples including image read/save, scaling, and format conversion

## Related content

- [Structural and Logic Diagram Generators](https://elysiatools.com/en/hubs/structural-and-logic-diagram-generators): Generate flowcharts, mind maps, org charts, tree diagrams, Venn diagrams, ASCII directory trees, and sequence diagrams from text, JSON, sets, or logs.