Process Flow Diagram Maker
Describe the equipment and streams in your process, and get a process flow diagram (PFD) with standard equipment symbols. Free, no signup.
Free · no signup · no credit card · daily fair-use limits
Process flow diagram examples
Click an example to open it instantly. The description stays in the box above, so you can rename equipment, add streams, and generate your own PFD.
A process flow diagram (PFD) shows the major equipment in a plant or unit and the main streams between them: tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, reactors, columns, compressors and key valves. Name the equipment with tags like P-101 or E-101 and say what flows where, and you get a PFD drawn with standard equipment symbols. For full piping and instrumentation detail, use the P&ID maker instead.
How to make a process flow diagram
List the major equipment
Name each item and its type, for example feed tank T-101, centrifugal pump P-101, shell-and-tube exchanger E-101.
Describe the streams
Say what flows from where to where, in process order: "T-101 to P-101, P-101 to E-101, E-101 to R-101".
Add key valves
Include control valves, check valves, relief valves, and isolation valves that matter to the process.
Generate and download
Press Generate, check the stream order, then download SVG or PNG for a report or a design review.
PFD vs P&ID vs flowchart
A PFD is a high-level view of a process: the main equipment, the main process streams, and sometimes key operating conditions. A P&ID (piping and instrumentation diagram) adds the detail needed to build and operate the unit: line sizes, every valve, and the instrument loops. Teams usually draw the PFD first and develop the P&ID from it.
A business flowchart is a different thing: it shows steps and decisions in a workflow. If you are mapping an approval process or a customer journey, use the flowchart maker.
Symbols here are based on ISO 10628 and ISA-5.1 drawing conventions for equipment such as centrifugal pumps, vertical and horizontal vessels, shell-and-tube and air-cooled exchangers, tray columns, reactors, compressors, and gate, check, control and relief valves. Treat the output as a working draft and have it reviewed against your project standards.
Frequently asked questions
What is a process flow diagram?
A diagram of a process unit that shows the major equipment and the main streams between them. It is used in chemical, oil and gas, water, and other process industries.
Which symbols are included?
Tanks, vertical and horizontal vessels, pumps, compressors, blowers, shell-and-tube and air-cooled heat exchangers, condensers, reboilers, tray and packed columns, reactors, filters, cyclones, boilers, flares, cooling towers, and gate, ball, globe, butterfly, check, control and relief valves.
What is the difference between a PFD and a P&ID?
A PFD shows the main equipment and streams. A P&ID adds piping details, all valves, and instrumentation loops. Use the P&ID maker when you need that level of detail.
Can I use equipment tags like P-101?
Yes. Include tags such as P-101 or E-101 in your description. The examples on this page label each item with its tag and name.
Is it free?
Yes. There is no signup. Generation has hourly fair-use limits, and you can download SVG or PNG.
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