Data flow diagram software

Q: What are the three levels of a data flow diagram?

Generally, DFDs are level 0, level 1, or level 2, though they can go higher in rare cases. Level 0 DFDs are the least complex, while level 2 and above DFDs are the most complex.

Q: What is the difference between a DFD and a flowchart?

While these diagrams are similar, a DFD generally traces the data flow of a system, while a flowchart shows the sequence of steps in a process.

Q: Why use a data flow diagram?

DFDs provide a detailed representation of components within a system and how they interact. This helps viewers understand how a process or system currently works, or how it could work if the diagram shows a proposed data flow.

Q: What are common errors people make when creating a DFD?

The three main errors are: 1. Black holes, or places with input flow and no output 2. Miracles, or places with output flows with no input 3. Gray holes, or places with outputs that are greater than the sum of the inputs

Q: What are the types of data flow diagrams?

Data flow diagrams are broken into two categories: logical and physical. While logical DFDs focus on business processes, physical DFDs focus on implementation, with things like hardware, software, people in the system, and files.

Q: What kind of training materials are available to learn how to use Lucidchart?

Lucidchart has a learning campus with tips and tricks, courses, expert advice and more.

Lucidchart makes diagramming your data flow simple—no matter how complex your system or process. Try our intuitive data flow diagram software and get to work in minutes.

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DFDs made easy

Begin working on your DFD online in minutes with our intuitive data flow diagram maker.

Visualize a system

When you map a process or system, you find ways to make it more efficient and effective. Use a data flow diagram to help you improve an existing process or implement a new one.

Use the right symbols and notation

Lucidchart has everything you need for your data flow diagram, including standard symbols for both Gane-Sarson and Yourdon-Coad methodologies. Our shape library for DFDs contains notations for processes, external entities, data stores, and data flows.

Let our advanced features do the work

Our data flow diagram software makes creating large, complex data flow diagrams simple. Lucidchart includes features like conditional formatting, action buttons, external links, and layers. With our help, your diagram will capture all the information you need without becoming busy or hard to follow.

Become an expert right away

Lucidchart is easy to use. Even if you’re just a beginner, our drag-and-drop functionality and simple interface will help you get started in no time. Start your data flow diagram with one of our templates or begin with a blank canvas.

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Collaborate with your team

Use Lucidchart with anyone, whether you’re in person or remote. You’ll be able to work online from anywhere and collaborate simultaneously on the same document as your team. Use the in-product chat, notes, and comments features to share ideas and give feedback.

Check out our ratings and reviews

Go to third-party apps like G2, TrustRadius, and Capterra to see what other people think. You’ll find thousands of five-star ratings and glowing reviews.

Lucidchart feature highlights

Real-time collaboration

Streamline work by enabling multiple collaborators to create and edit the same diagram at once.

Data linking

Conditional formatting

Layers

Revision history

Shape libraries

AI prompt flow

Lucidchart feature highlights

Streamline work by enabling multiple collaborators to create and edit the same diagram at once.

Data flow diagram templates and examples

Use a template from our gallery to help you start work on your data flow diagram.

Data flow diagram level 1

Go to Data flow diagram level 1 template

Data flow diagram level 2 template

Go to Data flow diagram level 2 template template

Physical data flow diagram template

Go to Physical data flow diagram template template

Getting started in Lucidchart

Getting Started in Lucidchart

Follow along with this video tutorial and learn how to make any type of diagram in Lucidchart.

Make a diagram

Why teams choose Lucidchart

As an intelligent diagramming application, Lucidchart provides simple yet powerful capabilities for visualizing information.

Collaboration. Bring teams together side by side on a shared canvas from anywhere in the world.

Alignment. Build transparency and shared understanding of how a team or company works.

Large-scale change. Increase visibility, standardization, and knowledge sharing across your entire org.

End-to-end workflows. Upgrade to the Lucid Suite for a complete, connected visual collaboration solution.

What is a data flow diagram (DFD)?

Some processes and systems are hard to put into words. A data flow diagram can help. These diagrams visually show the way information flows through systems and processes, including various subprocesses, data stores, and data inputs and outputs. DFDs use standardized symbols and notation to describe various entities and how they are related.