Free Data Flow Diagram Templates

How to Use the Data Flow Diagram Templates in Creately

• Choose a template that suits your needs
  

  Choose a DFD template by level—context (level 0) or detailed level 1/2. Click “Edit This Template” to open it.

• Sign in or create a free Creately account
  

  Create a free account or sign in. This lets you save your data flow diagram, return to it later, and keep every change synced to your workspace.

• Open the template and customize it
  

  Model how data moves using processes, data stores, external entities and labeled data flows, keeping each level consistent with the one above.

  • Add processes (circles/rounded boxes) that transform data
  • Place external entities that send or receive data
  • Add data stores for where data rests
  • Label every data flow arrow with what moves
  • Decompose a process into a lower-level DFD
• Consistent Gane-Sarson / Yourdon shapes
  

  Use the recognized DFD notation sets so context and level-1 diagrams line up and reviewers can follow the decomposition.

• Collaborate with your team
  

  Share for feedback. Give others view or edit access to your data flow diagram, gather comments inline, and resolve them without leaving the canvas.

• Save, export, or present
  

  Finish and share. Save to your workspace, export the data flow diagram as PNG, JPEG, SVG or PDF, or present it live — then embed or link it wherever your team works.