Manual Input Shape

The Manual Input shape represents data that is manually entered by a user, typically through a keyboard or input device. It's shown as a quadrilateral with a slanted top edge.

What is a Manual Input Shape?

The Manual Input shape represents:

• Keyboard data entry
• User typing information
• Manual data input
• Form field entry
• Interactive user input

According to ISO 5807, this shape specifically indicates manual input operations, distinguishing them from automated data input.

When to Use

Use the Manual Input shape for:

• User input: "Enter username", "Type password", "Input search query"
• Form data: "Fill registration form", "Enter payment details"
• Manual entry: "Type customer name", "Input product code"
• Interactive input: "Enter command", "Type response"
• Keyboard operations: Any data typed by a user

Visual Appearance

In DiagramKit.AI, the Manual Input shape appears as:

• Dimensions: 160×80 pixels
• Color: Light pink (#fdf2f8)
• Border: Pink (#be185d)
• Shape: Quadrilateral with slanted top edge

Best Practices

✅ Good Usage

[Start]
   ↓
[Display login prompt]
   ↓
[Enter username]
   ↓
[Enter password]
   ↓
[Validate credentials]
   ↓
<Valid?>

• Use "Enter", "Type", or "Input" verbs
• Specify what data is being entered
• Indicate field names when relevant
• Follow with validation steps

❌ Avoid

• ❌ Automated input: "Read from file" (use Data I/O)
• ❌ Processing: "Validate email" (use Process)
• ❌ Too vague: "Input" (input what?)
• ❌ Display operations: "Show form" (use Display)

Common Examples

Example 1: User Login

[Show login screen]
   ↓
[Enter email address]
   ↓
[Enter password]
   ↓
[Click login button]
   ↓
[Validate credentials]

Example 2: Search Function

[Display search bar]
   ↓
[Enter search query]
   ↓
[Submit search]
   ↓
[Query database]
   ↓
[Display results]

Example 3: Data Entry Form

[Open registration form]
   ↓
[Enter full name]
   ↓
[Enter email]
   ↓
[Enter phone number]
   ↓
[Select country]
   ↓
[Submit form]

AI Prompt Tips

add manual input for username entry
insert a manual input step for password
create manual input for search query

Related Shapes

• Data I/O - For general input/output
• Display - For showing prompts
• Process - For validation
• Decision - For input validation