Hello,
There are simple ways to automate diagram creation as long as you have the data set up properly. No need to create every line and box from scratch if you want to avoid it!
I've created a simple mind map automatically using Lucid chart and a text file. Even with "free" access (which limits some functionality) you should be able to jump start your diagram by creating a .txt file (plain text!). It should look like a nested list with tabbed data, the text is what's included in the diagram, something like:
Center thought
Tabbed connected box
Second Box connected to main thought
Another thought
Tree continues
Tree continues
branch connected to another thought but not "Tree continues"
Etc.
(more explanation here: https://lucidchart.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/207299806-Mind-Mapping, plus an illustrative image.)
From there, you'll probably still have to play around in the interface to make exactly what you want, i.e. arrows instead of straight lines. You can then export the diagram as an image, pdf, etc. Alternately, instead of a mind map, you could import your data to an ERD or other types of workflow diagrams, but that requires slightly more set-up before importing. (https://lucidchart.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/207299756-Entity-Relationship-Diagrams)
Best,
Meghan
Meghan Lyon
Digital Collection Specialist
Digital Content Management Section
Web Archiving Program
[log in to unmask]
https://www.loc.gov/programs/web-archiving/
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Topics of the day:
1. data flow chart diagram (4)
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Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:16:58 +0000
From: "Fitchett, Deborah" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: data flow chart diagram
Whichever software you use, you'll always have to create the boxes and lines yourself because every diagram has a different number/configuration of boxes and arrows.
I have found Visio fairly good (certainly easier than doing it in Word). If you do something really complex then occasionally the lines will jump around unexpectedly as it tries to "help" you with the layout, but for a straightforward diagram this is less of a problem.
Deborah
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of charles meyer
Sent: Sunday, 23 April 2023 2:51 am
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CODE4LIB] data flow chart diagram
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My esteemed listmates,
I'm looking to create a data flow chart diagram in Word.
I've Googled this and found a couple of sites where they teach you how to create one from scratch.
It's rather time consuming.
Have you found any free templates where all you have to do is type in text in the boxes or ovals in that template?
Ex. the lines to connect each box on the same line are already drawn and the boxes are already there and the arrows to the next set of boxes on the next line are already there with lines across the page already there so it's like complying a form?
Thank you.
Charles.
Charlotte County Public Library
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Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:16:45 -0400
From: charles meyer <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: data flow chart diagram
Joe...
Would I be able to just type in text in diagram boxes in Visio?
Thank you.
Charles.
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2023 11:25:11 -0400
From: Joe Hourclé <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: data flow chart diagram
> On Apr 22, 2023, at 10:44 AM, charles meyer <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
>
> My esteemed listmates,
>
> I'm looking to create a data flow chart diagram in Word.
If you have the full MS Office Suite, Visio does this fairly easily. If you have any MacOS machines, I actually prefer OmniGraffle for this sort of work, though.
I don’t have any experience with online tools, but if it helps, these sorts of things fall under a larger category called “UML diagrams”, which might help you find more fully developed tools.
(UML covers sequence diagrams, use cases / activity flow, etc)
-Joe
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:19:12 -0400
From: Joe Hourclé <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: data flow chart diagram
>
> On Apr 23, 2023, at 5:18 PM, charles meyer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Joe...
>
> Would I be able to just type in text in diagram boxes in Visio?
It’s been 20 years since I switched from Visio to OmniGraffle for my diagraming, but I seem to recall there being a UML template set (they might’ve called it a template library), where it had the shapes, and you could drag them onto your document and then label them… and the labels would move with the shape if you moved it.
I think that the lines stayed attached between the objects, too, so you could connect them up with arrows, and then drag the components around so they made good use of the space.
I *think* the lines in Visio would also make a little hump if they crossed, to show they weren’t actually connected. But I know there was something about the lines for why I switched. (Maybe it was the ‘magnets’ in OmniGraffle, which let you set how the lines attached to the objects)
-Joe
Sent from a mobile device with a crappy on screen keyboard and obnoxious "autocorrect"
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 01:57:21 +0000
From: "Fitchett, Deborah" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: data flow chart diagram
Your memory's correct. You can drag shapes onto the page, and drag arrows on to connect the shapes. The arrows normally only connect at the middle of the top, sides, or bottom so you might have wanted more flexibility (sometimes I do!) but once they're connected they stay connected even when you drag the shape around. And the lines do make little "humps" if they cross over each other.
In fact checking now I see there are actually some templates that include shapes already connected on the page for you, then you can delete / move / add more as needed. I never noticed this as I always prefer to start with a blank page 😊 but there seem to be a few options.
If you (Charles) have access to it, open it up and you should get prompted with some starting options including "Basic Flowchart".
Deborah
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Joe Hourclé
Sent: Monday, 24 April 2023 10:19 am
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] data flow chart diagram
Caution: This email originated from outside our organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
>
> On Apr 23, 2023, at 5:18 PM, charles meyer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Joe...
>
> Would I be able to just type in text in diagram boxes in Visio?
It’s been 20 years since I switched from Visio to OmniGraffle for my diagraming, but I seem to recall there being a UML template set (they might’ve called it a template library), where it had the shapes, and you could drag them onto your document and then label them… and the labels would move with the shape if you moved it.
I think that the lines stayed attached between the objects, too, so you could connect them up with arrows, and then drag the components around so they made good use of the space.
I *think* the lines in Visio would also make a little hump if they crossed, to show they weren’t actually connected. But I know there was something about the lines for why I switched. (Maybe it was the ‘magnets’ in OmniGraffle, which let you set how the lines attached to the objects)
-Joe
Sent from a mobile device with a crappy on screen keyboard and obnoxious "autocorrect"
________________________________
"The contents of this e-mail (including any attachments) may be confidential and/or subject to copyright. Any unauthorised use, distribution, or copying of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please advise the sender by return e-mail or telephone and then delete this e-mail together with all attachments from your system."
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End of CODE4LIB Digest - 22 Apr 2023 to 23 Apr 2023 (#2023-95)
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