Fishbone Diagram Maker
Type the problem and its causes to draw an Ishikawa cause-and-effect diagram
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Type a problem and its causes by category, and an Ishikawa cause-and-effect diagram in the shape of a fish skeleton is drawn for you. Use it to sort out the causes of a quality problem with a team or to make a figure for a report.
How to use
- Under "Main categories", choose 4M, 6M, 4P or 8P, or "Custom" to set your own categories.
- Type the problem in "Problem (effect)".
- Under "Causes", type one cause per line for each category. Indent a line or start it with '-' for a sub-cause, and start it with '!' to highlight it.
- Export with "Save PNG", "Save SVG" or "Print". Keep editable work with "Save file".
How it works
- Causes alternate above and below the main bones, and the spacing follows the length of the text. Up to 12 categories can be used.
- 6M adds measurement and environment to people, machines, materials and methods. 4P is place, procedures, people and policies; 8P adds product, price, promotion and process.
- Printing fits landscape A4 or Letter paper. What you type is saved only in this browser and is never sent anywhere.
Questions and answers
- What is a fishbone diagram?
- A diagram with the effect (problem) at the head and the causes on bones grouped by category. It is one of the seven basic quality tools, also called an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram.
- What are the 4M and 6M categories?
- Standard ways to group causes. 4M is Man, Machine, Material and Method; 6M adds Measurement and Environment. They are common for manufacturing problems.
- How do I add a sub-cause?
- Write a line directly below a cause and indent it or start it with '-'.
- Can I mark the most important causes?
- Yes. Start the line with '!' or tap the cause in the diagram to turn its highlight on or off.