How to Use On-Page References in a Visio Flowchart (No More Spaghetti Lines)
Long lines that cross a whole flowchart make it hard to read. Learn how to use on-page reference shapes in Visio to jump from one part of the page to another, with a purchase approval process.
Step by step
- On-page references. When a flowchart wraps into a second column, the line back up crosses everything. On-page references fix that. Let's use them in Visio.
- Basic Flowchart Shapes. I'm using the Basic Flowchart Shapes stencil.
- The first column. Here's the first column of a purchase approval process. It starts with a request. The team lead checks it. Connect them. Then finance checks the budget. Connect it.
- Out reference. We're at the bottom of the column. Instead of a long line, drop an on-page reference, the small circle, and give it a letter. A. Connect the last step to it.
- In reference. Now the top of the second column. Drop another on-page reference with the same letter. Same letter means the flow carries on here.
- The second column. The flow continues. Purchasing places the order. Connect the reference to it. And the process ends. Connect it.
- Done. Click away. Two clean columns, and no line crossing the page.
- The rule. So, one letter per jump, used exactly twice, once where the flow leaves and once where it comes back in. For a jump to another page, use the off page reference instead.
