Start/End Symbol

The Start/End symbol (also called the Terminal symbol) marks the beginning and ending points of your flowchart. It's represented as a rounded rectangle or oval shape.

When to Use

Use the Start/End symbol to:

• Mark the beginning of your process or algorithm
• Mark the end of your process or algorithm
• Show entry and exit points clearly

Every flowchart should have at least one Start symbol and one End symbol to make it clear where the process begins and concludes.

ISO 5807 Standard

According to ISO 5807, the Terminal symbol is specifically designed for:

• Start points of processes
• End points of processes
• Interruption points (when a process is interrupted)

Visual Appearance

The Start/End symbol appears as a rounded rectangle (stadium shape) with:

• Curved left and right edges
• Flat top and bottom
• Green color in useWorkspace.AI

Best Practices

✅ Good Usage

[Start] → Process steps... → [End]

• Use "Start" or "Begin" as the label
• Use "End", "Stop", or "Finish" for the ending
• Keep labels clear and concise
• Place at the top and bottom of your flowchart

❌ Avoid

• Don't use multiple Start symbols (unless showing multiple entry points)
• Don't skip the Start or End symbols
• Avoid complex labels - keep it simple

Common Labels

For Start Symbols:

• Start
• Begin
• Initialize
• Open
• Launch

For End Symbols:

• End
• Stop
• Finish
• Close
• Exit
• Complete

Examples

Example 1: Simple Process

[Start]
   ↓
[Process: Calculate Total]
   ↓
[End]

Example 2: User Login

[Start: User Login]
   ↓
[Input: Enter Credentials]
   ↓
[Decision: Valid?]
   ↓ Yes        ↓ No
[End: Success] [End: Failed]

AI Prompts

Use these prompts to add Start/End symbols with AI:

add a start node labeled "Begin Process"

add an end node labeled "Process Complete"

create a flowchart starting with "User Registration"

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Drag from palette: Click and drag the Start/End shape
• Double-click to edit: Edit the label text
• Delete: Select and press Delete or Backspace

Related Shapes

• Process: The main operation boxes
• Decision: For branching logic
• Data I/O: For input/output operations

Next Steps

• Learn about Process nodes for action steps
• Understand Decision nodes for conditional logic
• Explore the complete shape reference for all 19 ISO 5807 shapes