Flowchart Connector Symbol Explained: a Complete Visual Guide

If you've ever stared at a flowchart and wondered why some arrows point to circles instead of the next box, you're not alone. The flowchart connector symbol is one of the most misunderstood shapes in diagramming, yet it's the glue that keeps complex processes readable and organized. Understanding how this small symbol works can save you from creating tangled, confusing diagrams that nobody wants to follow.

What Is a Flowchart Connector Symbol?

A flowchart connector symbol is a small circle (sometimes labeled with a letter or number) used to link different parts of a flowchart without drawing a long, crossing line across the page. Think of it as a "jump" marker it tells the reader, "go find the matching circle elsewhere on the diagram and continue from there."

It's officially called a connector in standard flowchart terminology. You might also hear it referred to as an on-page connector when both matching circles appear on the same page. When the matching pair spans two different pages, it's called an off-page connector, which typically looks like a pentagon or a slightly different shaped symbol.

The connector is part of the standard set of flowchart symbols recognized across industries. If you want to understand how it fits into the bigger picture of what flowchart symbols mean, it helps to see it alongside shapes like process boxes, decision diamonds, and terminal ovals.

What Does the Connector Symbol Look Like?

The on-page connector is a simple circle, usually about the same size as a small dot or slightly larger. Inside the circle, you'll find a label most commonly a number (like 1 or 2) or a letter (like A or B). Two circles with the same label are paired together.

Here's how to read it:

A flow line enters the first circle (the exit point).
The reader looks for another circle with the same label elsewhere on the page.
The flow continues outward from the second circle (the entry point).

The off-page connector looks slightly different often a pentagon or a rectangle with a notch and includes a page reference so the reader knows which page to turn to.

When Should You Use a Flowchart Connector?

You don't need a connector for every flow line. Here's when it actually makes sense:

Your flowchart crosses over itself. If drawing a direct arrow would mean lines crossing through other shapes, a connector cleans things up.
Your diagram spans multiple pages. Off-page connectors are essential for large processes that don't fit on a single sheet.
The chart is getting hard to follow. Anytime a reader's eye has to trace a winding path, a connector can simplify the visual path.
You're linking to a subprocess. Sometimes a connector points the reader to a separate, more detailed flowchart.

How Do Connectors Work With Decision Symbols?

Connectors often appear right after a decision diamond in a flowchart. When a "Yes" or "No" branch needs to jump to a distant part of the diagram, placing a labeled connector at the end of that branch keeps the layout tidy. Without it, you'd end up with diagonal arrows cutting across your entire chart.

For example:

A decision diamond asks, "Is the order approved?"
The "No" branch leads to connector circle labeled 2.
Elsewhere on the chart, circle 2 feeds into a "Send rejection email" process box.

This keeps the "No" path short and avoids crossing over the "Yes" path.

What's the Difference Between a Connector and a Flow Line?

A flow line (an arrow) shows the direction of movement from one step to the next. A connector is a waypoint a pause in the flow where the reader needs to jump to another location. The flow line carries the direction; the connector carries the destination reference.

Without the connector, the flow line would have to physically stretch across the page, potentially overlapping other shapes and making the chart harder to read.

Common Mistakes People Make With Connectors

Even experienced diagrammers get connectors wrong. Here are the most frequent issues:

Using connectors when a direct arrow would work fine. If the next step is right below the current one, skip the connector. Adding one where it's not needed adds unnecessary complexity.
Mismatched labels. If you label an exit circle as "3" but the entry circle says "B," the reader is stuck. Always double-check that pairs match.
Skipping the ISO standard. The ISO 5807 standard for flowchart symbols defines exactly how connectors should look and be used. Ignoring the standard can cause confusion, especially in technical or engineering contexts.
Overusing connectors. A flowchart with dozens of connector circles becomes just as hard to read as one with tangled arrows. If you need more than four or five connector pairs on a single page, consider splitting the chart into sub-processes.
Forgetting arrow direction. Always make it clear which circle is the exit and which is the entry. A flow arrow should point into the exit connector and out of the entry connector.

Practical Example: Order Fulfillment Process

Here's a real-world scenario where connectors solve a layout problem:

Start Customer places order.
Process Check inventory.
Decision Is the item in stock?
Yes Ship the item → End.
No Leads to connector A.
Connector A (elsewhere on page) → Process: Notify supplier.
Process Restock item.
Connector B Jumps back to step 2 (Check inventory).

In this case, connector A avoids drawing a long line from the "No" branch across the chart, and connector B creates a clean loop back to the inventory check without a curved arrow snaking through other shapes.

Tips for Using Connector Symbols Effectively

Label sequentially. Start with 1 or A and move through the alphabet or numbers in order. This makes the chart easier to scan.
Use color coding. Matching connectors in the same color helps readers spot pairs quickly.
Keep pairs close together on the page. The farther apart they are, the harder it is for the reader to follow.
Add a brief note near the connector. A short annotation like "Continues on page 2" or "See subprocess: Returns" removes guesswork.
Test readability. Ask someone unfamiliar with the process to follow your chart. If they get lost at a connector, rework it.

What Format Do Professional Tools Use for Connectors?

Most diagramming tools including Microsoft Visio, Lucidchart, Draw.io, and Creately include a dedicated connector symbol in their flowchart shape libraries. The symbol is usually found under "Flowchart" or "Basic Shapes." In these tools, you typically drag the circle onto the canvas and type a label inside it.

If you're using a tool that doesn't have a built-in connector shape, you can create one by drawing a small circle and adding a text label in the center. Just make sure both circles in a pair look identical so they're easy to match.

Quick Checklist Before You Finalize Your Flowchart

Every connector circle has a matching partner with the same label.
Arrows clearly point into exit connectors and out of entry connectors.
No direct arrow could replace a connector (keep it simple).
You haven't exceeded five connector pairs on a single page.
Off-page connectors include the correct page reference.
Labels follow a consistent sequence (1, 2, 3 or A, B, C).
Someone unfamiliar with the process can follow the chart from start to finish without guessing.