How to Make a Flowchart in Google Docs

If you want to make a flowchart in Google Docs, you have three reliable options:

• Make a flowchart in Google Docs with built-in Drawings (shapes & connectors)
• Make a flowchart in Google Docs by inserting a linked Google Drawings file (update from source)
• Make a flowchart in Google Docs using add-ons (Lucidchart, diagrams.net/draw.io)

This step-by-step guide shows each method and when to use it. All instructions are verified against Google Help pages.

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Option 1 — How to make a flowchart in Google Docs using built-in Drawings

Best for: simple flowcharts inside a Doc page without external tools.

Google references

• Docs Editors Help — Learn how to use drawings & markups: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/179740?hl=en

Steps

1. Insert a new Drawing dialog

• Docs > Insert > Drawing > New

2. Add flowchart shapes

• In the Drawing toolbar, click Shape > Shapes > pick Flowchart shapes (Terminator, Process, Decision, Data)
• Click to place and type your step text

3. Connect shapes correctly

• Click Line > choose a Connector (Arrow, Elbow connector, or Curve)
• Drag from a shape edge until you see connection points; connect to the next shape
• Style arrowheads/line weight via the Line formatting controls

4. Align and tidy up

• Use Arrange > Align and distribute to keep spacing consistent
• Use Fill color and Border color to establish a visual system (e.g., Decisions as diamonds with a distinct color)

5. Save and edit later

• Click Save and Close to insert the drawing in your Doc
• Double-click the drawing to re-open and edit

Pros

• Native and quick; no add-ons
• Connectors anchor to shapes so your flowchart stays connected while moving shapes

Cons

• Manual layout; limited auto-routing for complex flows
• For large diagrams, editing inside the small dialog can feel constrained

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Option 2 — How to make a flowchart in Google Docs via linked Google Drawings (update from source)

Best for: maintainable or larger flowcharts with the ability to refresh updates from source.

What it is

• Create your flowchart in Google Drawings (standalone)
• In Docs, Insert > Drawing > From Drive to place a linked version; later edits in Drawings can be pulled into Docs with Update

Google references

• Docs Editors Help — Learn how to use drawings & markups (From Drive and link to source are documented): https://support.google.com/docs/answer/179740?hl=en

Steps

1. Build your flowchart in Google Drawings

• Use shapes, elbow connectors, and formatting in a full-size canvas

2. Insert the linked drawing into Google Docs

• Docs > Insert > Drawing > From Drive > pick your drawing, and keep it linked

3. Update from source when your flowchart changes

• Click the drawing in Docs; if updates exist, click Update to refresh

Pros

• Full-size canvas for easier editing
• Linked updates keep your Doc in sync with the source drawing

Cons

• Requires a separate Google Drawings file
• Linked objects rely on Drive access; collaborators need permissions to edit the source

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Option 3 — How to make a flowchart in Google Docs with add-ons (Lucidchart, diagrams.net/draw.io)

Best for: complex flowcharts, auto‑layout, collaboration, export to PNG/SVG/PDF.

What you can use

• Lucidchart Diagrams add-on: insert and sync diagrams into Docs
• diagrams.net (draw.io) add-on: create and insert diagrams

Generic steps

1. Install the add-on from Google Workspace Marketplace
2. Open the add-on sidebar in Docs, select an existing diagram or create one
3. Insert the diagram image into your Doc

Pros

• Better auto-routing and diagramming features
• Robust export options and collaboration

Cons

• Some add-ons require external accounts or paid plans for advanced features
• Inserted content is often an image snapshot (refresh depends on the add-on)

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Which Google Docs flowchart method should you choose for making a flowchart in Google Docs?

• “I need a quick flowchart in Google Docs”: choose built-in Drawing
• “I need maintainability and easy updates”: choose Linked Google Drawings
• “I need complex layouts and exports”: choose Add-ons (Lucidchart, diagrams.net)

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Practical examples

Create a basic Google Docs flowchart via Drawing

1. Insert > Drawing > New
2. Add Shapes: Start (Terminator) → Process → Decision (diamond)
3. Use Elbow connector lines to branch Yes/No to next steps
4. Save and Close; double-click later to edit

Insert a linked Google Drawings flowchart into Docs

1. Create a flowchart in Google Drawings (Drive > New > More > Google Drawings)
2. In Docs: Insert > Drawing > From Drive; pick your drawing and keep it linked
3. After editing the source drawing, click Update in Docs to refresh

Use an add-on (generic)

1. In Docs, Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons; search “Lucidchart” or “draw.io/diagrams.net”
2. Launch the add-on, create/select your flowchart, and Insert

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FAQ: Google Docs flowcharts (verified)

• Can I connect shapes properly in Google Docs?

  • Yes. In the Drawing dialog, use connector lines (Arrow/Elbow/Curve) so lines anchor to shapes. Source: Google Help (Drawings in Docs)

• Can I keep a flowchart updated across documents?

  • Yes. Build it in Google Drawings and insert it as a linked drawing in Docs. Click Update to pull latest changes. Source: Google Help (Insert from Drive)

• What if I need advanced diagram features?

  • Use add-ons like Lucidchart or diagrams.net for auto‑layout, rich export, and collaboration. Insert the result into your Doc.

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Troubleshooting: Google Docs flowchart issues

• Connectors don’t stick to shapes

  • Use connector lines (Arrow/Elbow/Curve) from the Line menu so endpoints snap to shape anchors. Avoid plain lines when building a flowchart in Google Docs.

• Canvas feels too small for complex flowcharts in Google Docs

  • Build the diagram in standalone Google Drawings and insert it as a linked drawing (From Drive). Click Update in Docs when the source changes.

• Add-ons content won’t refresh

  • Many add-ons insert static images. Check if the add-on supports refresh/sync; otherwise, prefer the linked Google Drawings method for maintainability.

• Collaborators can’t edit the source flowchart

  • Linked drawings require Drive permissions. Share the Google Drawings file with the right access level to enable updates.

Conclusion: The best way to make a flowchart in Google Docs

For small and quick tasks, use Drawings directly inside Google Docs. For maintainability and larger diagrams, build in Google Drawings and insert as a linked drawing so you can update from source. If you need robust diagramming, use an add-on and insert the diagram into your Doc. Either way, your Google Docs flowchart stays close to project context and is easy to share.

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References

• Google Docs Editors Help — Learn how to use drawings & markups: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/179740?hl=en
• Google Docs Editors Help — Insert and arrange text, shapes, diagrams, and lines (Slides reference for shapes/connectors UI similarity): https://support.google.com/docs/answer/1696521?hl=en
• Lucidchart Diagrams (Workspace Marketplace): https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/lucidchart_diagrams/700168918607
• diagrams.net for Docs (Workspace Marketplace): https://workspace.google.com/marketplace/app/drawio_diagrams/176047306217