Creating and editing flowcharts

This article shows you how to create, edit, and optimize flowcharts in Q.wiki. Flowcharts visualize process flows and make complex workflows easy to understand.

Create a flowchart

1. Switch to edit mode for a page.
2. Click Create flowchart.

Edit an existing flowchart

1. Switch to edit mode for a page.
2. The flowchart can now be edited directly.

Import content from a table

With the AI package, you can automatically convert a written-out process into a flowchart using AI. The table content is converted into a flowchart: steps from the table become activities and are assigned to the corresponding role lane. You can then extend the flowchart as needed.

• The created flowchart is based on the table structure. However, possible branches described in the table content are not considered.
• Roles in the lanes are inserted as plain text, not as editable widgets.

Edit swim lanes

• Add a swim lane: Click any swim lane and use the button to add a new lane above or below. (1)
• Remove a swim lane: Select the swim lane and click Delete. (2)
• Resize a swim lane: Select the swim lane and adjust the size via drag & drop using the blue handles. (3)

Each row is a swim lane. Create one swim lane for each organizational role. To add or change a role, double-click the desired swim lane to open the role selection. You can use roles from the integrated Roles module or enter them manually.

Insert and edit flowchart symbols

• Insert a flowchart symbol:
  • drag and drop from the sidebar into the diagram (1)
  • click an existing symbol, click the blue plus sign, and add via the mini-editor (2)

• Change a flowchart symbol: Click the desired symbol and select Replace in the mini-editor.
  • Only certain allowed combinations are shown when replacing.

• Delete a flowchart symbol: Click the symbol and select Delete in the mini-editor.
• Name or rename a flowchart symbol: Double-click the symbol and type the new name.
  • Tip: Automatic line breaks for long words are not inserted – use a hyphen for manual line breaks.
• Copy a flowchart symbol: Click the symbol and copy it with Ctrl+C. Paste it with Ctrl+V at the desired location.
• Move flowchart symbol(s):
  1. Select individual symbols and drag them to the desired location.
  2. Activate the lasso tool, select the desired symbols, and drag them to the desired location.

Link flowchart symbols

• Click the desired symbol and select the Link button.
• You can link to pages in Q.wiki or external content.

Connect flowchart symbols with arrows

Set arrows

• Activate the connector tool in the left editor (1) or click a symbol and activate the connector tool in the mini-editor (2).
• Connect the desired docking points.

Label arrows

• Double-click the arrow and type the desired text.

Delete an arrow

• Click the arrow and click the Delete button.

Helper functions for working with flowcharts

1. Undo or redo steps
2. Center
3. Zoom
4. Toggle fullscreen mode
5. More functions:
   • Export options
   • Import an existing flowchart – supported formats: .xml, .bpm, .bpmn
   • Delete the entire flowchart

Copy a flowchart

• Export the diagram as a BPMN file and then import it on the desired page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I automatically create a flowchart from a table?

Yes, you can automatically create a flowchart from a table. Use the AI Suggestion button in the BPMN editor.

Can I set flowcharts to be expanded by default when pages are opened?

This setting can be configured in the module settings of a process area:

Related articles

• Tips and tricks for converting old flowcharts to new BPMN flowcharts