How to Create Flowcharts in OmniGraffle

Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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OmniGraffle is a drawing and digital illustration application for macOS that is suitable for creating many types of graphics, including flowcharts. Flowcharts are useful tools for visualizing processes or workflows, and OmniGraffle offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features that make it ideal for this task. In this detailed guide, we will introduce you to the process of creating a flowchart in OmniGraffle.

Getting started with OmniGraffle

Before we begin, make sure you have OmniGraffle installed on your macOS device. You can download it from the Mac App Store or directly from the Omni Group website. Once installed, launch the application.

Understanding the OmniGraffle interface

OmniGraffle's interface is divided into several major areas:

• Canvas: This is the main work area where you will create your diagrams.
• Sidebar: Displays the layers and canvases in your document.
• Inspector: A panel that provides options for customizing objects, styles, and more.
• Toolbar: Contains tools for creating and changing shapes, lines, and text.

Creating your first flowchart

Step 1: Start a new document

To start a new flowchart, you must first open a new document. Click "File" in the menu bar and select "New" to open a blank document. OmniGraffle also provides several templates that can give you a start, including flowchart templates, which you can choose from when creating a new document if you wish.

Step 2: Setting up your canvas

Once your document is open, you can begin setting up your canvas. The canvas is where you will layout your flowchart. You can adjust the size and orientation of the canvas in the Inspector panel under the "Canvas Size" setting. You can also use a grid to help align your shapes. Enabling the grid can be done in the View options, allowing for easy snapping for precise placement.

Step 3: Adding shapes for flowchart elements

Flowcharts contain various shapes, each of which represents a different part of the process. Here's how you can add these shapes to your canvas:

• Select the "Shapes" tool, which appears as a rectangle or circle, from the toolbar.
• Click and drag on the canvas to create the shapes you want, such as rectangles for process steps, diamonds for decision points, and ovals for start/end points.
• Shapes can be resized by clicking and dragging the handles that appear when a shape is selected.

OmniGraffle gives you a wide range of shape options to choose from. If you have the sidebar's Stencils library open, you can also add shapes by dragging them. Stencils provide pre-made shapes and symbols that are common in various diagram types, including flowcharts.

Step 4: Connecting the shapes with lines

After you place your shapes, you need to connect them with lines to indicate the direction of flow between the steps in your process. Follow these steps to connect your shapes:

• Select the "Line" tool in the toolbar.
• Click and drag from one shape to another. A line will connect these objects in the order you established.
• To change line styles, such as making them curved or straight, use the Inspector panel and select different line routing options.
• In the Inspector, you can also set arrows to indicate direction.

Step 5: Adding text to shapes

Text is often an important component of a flowchart because it explains the purpose of each shape or step. To add text to a shape:

• Select a shape by clicking on it.
• Start typing your text; it will automatically be centered on the shape.
• Use the Text Inspector panel to adjust the size, font, and color of your text as needed.

Step 6: Styling your flowchart

OmniGraffle provides several options for styling your diagram. Under "Style" in the Inspector panel, you can modify the appearance of shapes and lines. Some style adjustments include:

• Fill colors: Change the fill colors of shapes to distinguish between different parts of your flowchart.
• Line style: Adjust the thickness, color, or dash pattern of the lines.
• Shadows and opacity: Add shadows or change the opacity of shapes for more depth.

Advanced features

Using layers

OmniGraffle supports layers, which allow you to separate different sections of your diagram. This can be useful for creating complex diagrams where specific elements need to be highlighted or hidden at different times. To use layers:

• Open the Layers and Canvas Inspector by clicking the "Sidebar."
• Create a new layer and name it appropriately.
• Move shapes or lines to a specific layer by selecting them and dragging them in the sidebar.
• Toggle the visibility of layers as needed to focus on specific parts of your flowchart.

Use of stencils

Stencils are collections of pre-made objects that you can use in your diagrams. OmniGraffle offers a huge collection, and you can also download more or create your own. To use stencils:

• Open the sidebar and select "Stencils" to browse the available sets.
• Drag and drop the stencil shapes onto your canvas as needed.
• Create custom stencils by grouping objects and saving them as stencils.

Exporting your flowchart

Once your flowchart is complete, you may want to share or export it. OmniGraffle allows you to export diagrams in several formats, such as PDF, PNG, and SVG. To export:

• Click "File" in the menu bar and select "Export."
• Choose your preferred format and set any additional options such as resolution or pages.
• Save the exported file to your desired location.

Practical example

Let's create a simple flowchart of the decision-making process. The process will start with a decision, move to two possible outcomes, which will then lead to a final conclusion. Follow these steps:

Example steps:

• Start by drawing an oval shape to represent the beginning of the process. Label it "Beginning."
• Draw a diamond to represent the decision point. Label it "Need a decision?"
• Draw rectangles forming two branches from the diamond. Label one "Yes" and the other "No."
• Connect both rectangles to the last oval labeled "End."
• Add arrows to indicate flow direction from start to finish.
• Use the Inspector panel to style the flowchart, customize colors and fonts.
• Review your flowchart for clarity and consistency.

Conclusion

Once you are familiar with the interface and tools, creating flowcharts in OmniGraffle is a straightforward process. It provides the flexibility and features needed to design effective and detailed diagrams. Whether for software development, business processes or education, OmniGraffle can be a powerful tool in visualizing workflows and ideas.

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