Explain a process with shapes and connectors
Use a small flow diagram when the order of work matters more than a collection of notes. The Diagram tools menu combines basic shapes, line tools and a larger diagram library. Build a short process, label its decisions and use connector styling consistently so a teammate can follow the route without asking you to explain every arrow.
Canvas → dock → Diagram toolsWhat you’ll learn
- Choose basic shapes that express steps and decisions clearly.
- Use Straight, Bezier and Elbow connectors where they fit.
- Keep arrowheads, line styles and label sizes consistent.
Captured in Boilerrum with an illustrative project. The app interface is shown in English.
In this guide
01
Create the main steps
Open Diagram tools and add Square objects for two activities and a Diamond for a decision between them. Circle, Triangle, Hexagon, Parallelogram and Star are available when another visual meaning helps. Place the objects in reading order and give each a concise label. Keep the initial diagram short enough that the entire route fits comfortably on screen.
02
Style shapes by meaning
Select a shape to open its toolbar. Use Select shape if its geometry needs to change, Border style for the outline and Background color & opacity for the fill. Choose one fill treatment for activities and another for decisions. Check that text remains readable against the chosen colours, and keep opacity high enough for the board background you use.
03
Connect the process
Use the connection handles on shapes to join the activities and the decision. For an independent annotation, Diagram tools also offers Line, Bezier Arrow and Elbow Arrow. Select each connector and choose Straight, Bezier or Elbow under Line Type. Move a connected shape slightly and check the connection, then restore the position once the route is correct.
04
Clarify direction and labels
Use Left Arrow and Right Arrow to set connector ends, and Switch when the direction needs reversing. Line Style and Line Thickness control the connector stroke; Label Font Size adjusts its label. Give decision branches distinct wording so readers can tell which outcome follows each path. Reserve dashed or dotted lines for a relationship you can explain consistently.
05
Review the complete route
Use Fit view to review the flow from the first activity to its outcome. Remove crossings that make the route ambiguous and use alignment controls to tidy the shapes. For matching objects, Copy style and Paste style transfer compatible appearance settings without replacing their content. Save the canvas, then frame the process if it will become part of a presentation or exported recap.
Your diagram explains its activities, decisions and direction through consistent shapes, labels and connectors. It is ready to be reviewed on the board or placed inside a presentation frame.