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Guide: Building a Swimlane Process Map

When to Use This Tool

A Swimlane (or Cross-Functional) map is essential for understanding how a process flows across different teams or roles. It highlights handoffs and helps identify bottlenecks.

How to Use:

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1. AI Assistant (Recommended): In the 'AI Assistant' tab, describe your process, making sure to mention which role or team performs each action (e.g., 'The Sales team verifies the order...'). Click 'Generate Diagram'. If it's your first time generating, you'll be prompted to save the work.

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2. Standard Setup (Manual): First, add all the roles or departments ('Swimlanes'). Then, add each 'Process Step', assigning it to the correct swimlane. Use the '#' column to control the sequence—steps with the same number appear in the same column.

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3. Connections: Link steps using the 'Next Step' dropdowns. For 'Decision' shapes, separate dropdowns will appear for the 'Yes' and 'No' paths.

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4. Editing Layout: Click 'Edit Diagram' to freely drag shapes. To reconnect an arrow, click on it and drag the endpoint to a new target shape.

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5. Convert: Use the 'Convert Map' button to transform your swimlane map into another format, like a Linear or Hierarchical chart.

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6. Export: Once your diagram is ready, use the 'Export as PDF' or 'Export as Word' buttons to generate a professional document.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Now that you know how it works, head to the dashboard to start building your own diagrams.