AI Extraction

OpenCharts AI Extraction converts a PDF, PowerPoint, or image into an editable flowchart in roughly 5–15 seconds. Theo identifies terminals, processes, decisions, and connections, applies auto-layout, and hands you a fully editable React Flow canvas you can refine, share, and export.

Help By OpenCharts Team Published February 1, 2025 Updated April 27, 2026

How It Works

Theo analyzes your document with Theo Swift to identify flowchart elements, understand relationships, and generate an editable flowchart.

1

Upload Your Document

Drag and drop or click to select a file. Preview it before extraction.

2

AI Analysis

The AI scans your document, identifying nodes, processes, decisions, and connections.

3

Review & Edit

Your flowchart appears in the editor. Review the result and make any adjustments needed.

Supported Formats

PDF Documents

  • .pdf
    Upload process documents, flowchart diagrams, or any PDF with visual flow information
    Works best with clear, well-structured documents

Images

  • .png
  • .jpg
  • .jpeg
  • .gif
  • .webp
    Upload screenshots, photos of whiteboards, or exported flowchart images
    Higher resolution images produce better results

PowerPoint

  • .pptx
  • .ppt
    Upload presentations containing process flows or diagrams
    Individual slides with flowcharts work best

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start the Upload

From the editor, click the "AI Extract" button in the toolbar, or navigate to /editor/new?mode=upload.

2. Select Your File

Drag and drop your file onto the upload area, or click to browse. A preview will appear so you can confirm you've selected the right document.

3. Extract the Flowchart

Click "Extract Flowchart" to start the AI analysis. This usually takes 5-15 seconds depending on document complexity.

4. Review and Refine

The extracted flowchart loads in the editor. Review the nodes and connections, then make any adjustments. Use Auto Layout to clean up positioning.

Tips for Best Results

Do

  • Use high-resolution images (300+ DPI)
  • Ensure text in the document is readable
  • Use documents with clear visual structure
  • Include standard flowchart shapes when possible

Avoid

  • Blurry or low-quality images
  • Documents with handwritten text
  • Complex multi-page documents (use single pages)
  • Documents with overlapping elements

Troubleshooting

Extraction produced unexpected results?

The AI works best with clearly structured documents. If results aren't accurate:

  • Try uploading a cleaner version of the document
  • Manually adjust nodes and connections in the editor

File won't upload?

Check that your file is under 10MB and in a supported format (.pdf, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .webp, .pptx, .ppt). If issues persist, try converting to PDF first.

Extraction is taking too long?

Complex documents may take up to 30 seconds. If extraction times out, try with a simpler document or a single page from a larger file.

What AI Recognizes

The AI is trained to identify common flowchart elements:

  • Start/End
  • Terminal points
  • Processes
  • Action steps
  • Decisions
  • Yes/No branches
  • Data I/O
  • Input/output
  • Arrows
  • Flow direction
  • Labels
  • Text content
  • Conditions
  • Branch labels
  • Loops
  • Return paths