The Insert Branch tool provides a fast way to add branching or tree structures to your diagram. This also enables you to quickly create Organizational Charts (a.k.a., Org. Charts). You can open the Insert Branch form (Picture 1) from the toolbar or by typing "BR" while flowcharting.

Picture 1 - Insert Branches Screen

Step 1 - Select Shape to Connect From

The top grid is populated with all the existing shapes on the diagram, allowing you to select which shape you want the flow lines (connectors) routed from. (Not shown in Picture 1: If there are no shapes in the existing sheet, the top grid is replaced with fields allowing you to create a base shape that the branch will come out of.)

Step 2 - Choose Branch Type

Choose Branch Type: Select the type of branch structure, as shown in the images. Picture 3 (scroll down) shows a standard branch with three items and labels generated along the flow lines.

Branch Spacing: Determines how much spacing is between each parallel branch.

Arrow Direction: Determines whether the arrows flow from the base symbol to the branches (default), or from the branches into the base symbol.

Step 3 - Add Branch Items

As implied, the Text and Label fields let you add the text and branch label for each shape. These fields are optimized for fast entry. Pressing Enter in the Text field will forward the cursor to the Label field. Pressing Enter again will add the item to the grid. If both the Text and Label fields are empty, the form will close and the branch structure will be created.

Side note: Placing a pipe character (| - above the \ on most keyboards) in the Text field will add a line break to the text when the shape is created. For example, entering "Tiffany Johnson|VP Operations" will produce the following branch item:

Picture 2 - Using "|" character to add line break.

After the text and label are added to the bottom grid, you can click on the Symbol column to change the shape type. Checking the box in the Dashed Line column will make that line dashed, a common line style for alternate paths or advisory roles. The branch items are generated left to right for Standard branches, and top to bottom for Left Hanging and Right Hanging branches. Scroll down to Picture 3 to see an example.

Picture 3 - Sample Branch Diagram