Swimlane diagram template (Visio Data Visualizer-ready TSV)

Q: Is a swimlane diagram the same as a cross-functional flowchart?

In most business contexts, yes. Cross-functional flowchart is a common name for a swimlane diagram that shows the flow across functions or roles.

This page gives a copy-paste swimlane diagram template that imports into Visio Data Visualizer. Use it to generate a swimlane diagram from a dataset, then keep it updated by editing rows instead of redrawing shapes.

TSV template Swimlanes + phases Branching support Dataset-first workflow

Download Lite (Free, 20 steps) Buy Standard (Unlimited) Working dataset example

Looking for the definition and full guide? Start here: cross functional flowchart.

On this page

Template (TSV)
How to use it in Visio Data Visualizer
How to customize lanes, phases, branching, and loops
Validation checklist (avoid import errors)
Related swimlane pages
FAQ

Template (TSV – tab-separated values)

Copy the template below into a text file and save it as .tsv. Do not replace tabs with spaces. Do not add blank rows.

For the exact dataset rules and allowed Shape Type values, see: Data Visualizer dataset format.

Process Step ID        Process Step Description        Next Step ID        Connector Label        Shape Type        Phase        Function
010        Start        020                Start        Intake        Requester
020        Submit request        030                Process        Intake        Requester
030        Validate request        040                Process        Review        Coordinator
040        Decision: complete info?        050,060                Decision        Review        Coordinator
050        Request missing info        020                Process        Review        Requester
060        Approve request        070                Process        Approve        Manager
070        Fulfill request        080                Process        Execute        Operations
080        Notify requester        090                Process        Close        Coordinator
090        End                        End        Close        Requester

Note: if decision connectors must show “Yes” and “No” labels, keep the decision shape text explicit (example: “Complete info?”) and use the downstream step descriptions to make each path obvious.

How to use it in Visio Data Visualizer

Start with the cross-functional Data Visualizer template in Visio. If needed, use the hub guide: swimlane diagrams.
Save the template as a .tsv file. Make sure tabs are preserved.
Import the .tsv file. Visio generates the swimlane diagram from the dataset.
Confirm lanes and phases. Function controls lanes. Phase controls columns.
Update the diagram by editing the dataset. For the update workflow, see: update swimlane diagrams without redrawing.

If the import fails, go straight to: Data Visualizer import troubleshooting.

How to customize lanes, phases, branching, and loops

Function controls swimlanes. Standardize names (example: “Operations”, not “Ops” sometimes).
Phase controls columns. Keep phase names short and consistent (example: Intake, Review, Approve, Execute, Close).
Branching uses multiple Next Step IDs in 1 cell, comma-separated, no spaces (example: 050,060).
Loops are valid. Point a Next Step ID back to an earlier step for rework cycles.
Step IDs should stay stable. Rename the description, do not renumber the process every edit.

For a template optimized specifically for “cross functional flowchart” searches, see: cross functional flowchart template.

Validation checklist (avoid import errors)

No blank rows in the TSV file (including at the bottom).
Headers match exactly (do not rename or reorder columns).
Every Process Step ID is unique.
Every Next Step ID exists as a Process Step ID somewhere in the file.
Shape Type values are valid (Start, Process, Decision, End).
No leading or trailing spaces in Step IDs or Next Step IDs.

Conversion path: validate the workflow with Lite, then scale with Standard.

Related swimlane pages

Swimlane diagrams hub Update without redrawing Working dataset example Cross functional flowchart template Visio Data Visualizer hub

For the “what now?” analysis workflow, see: audit a Visio process map in Excel.

FAQ

Is a swimlane diagram the same as a cross-functional flowchart?

In most business contexts, yes. “Cross-functional flowchart” is a common name for a swimlane diagram that shows the flow across functions or roles.

Why does Visio Data Visualizer use TSV?

TSV means tab-separated values. The strict format makes automated diagram generation more consistent and easier to validate.

Can this template support real-world complexity?

Yes. Branching, loops, and multiple roles are supported as long as Step IDs remain stable and Next Step IDs point to valid steps. For more complex examples, use the working dataset example.

What usually breaks the import?

Blank rows, duplicate Step IDs, missing referenced Next Step IDs, invalid Shape Type values, or tab formatting issues. Use import troubleshooting.

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Swimlane Diagram Template