Visio: 2D Shapes and 1D Lines and Connectors Visio uses tow main components: 2D Shapes and 1D Lines and Connectors ( which can be “glued” to Shape Objects.
Line Tool: Straight lines made easy. Click to start the line, then drag the “rubber band” line to a desired endpoint. Lines are a 1D shape object. Otherwise Visio uses 2D shape objects. In each case X marks the starting point and + marks the end point.
Shape Rotation Handle: Visio 2007: Hovering on this handle will result in a three-quarter circular arrow with a caption “rotate shape” indicating you can rotate the shape to whatever angle you desire.
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
By Chuck Bryan www.pcencyclo.com
Page 2 of 6 Available on CD\ DVD in PDF Format
Copyright : 3/29/2010
Linking shapes with connectors: Green Endpoints…NOT “glued” Drag a line connector from a starting connection point (X) to an end connection point (+) on another shape object. Note: If the shape is now moved, the connection to the connector line is broken.
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
By Chuck Bryan www.pcencyclo.com
Page 3 of 6 Available on CD\ DVD in PDF Format
Copyright : 3/29/2010
Glued Shape Connector Line: Connecting lines can be “glued” to shapes. The key to that is the View > Toolbars > Snap and Glue toolbar shown inside the red outlined area below:
Connection Point Tool: The X tool: This is the X shaped tool ( between the A and the Arrow ) highlighted in RED!
This point-to-point connection with RED end-connectors stays “glued” as the shapes are moved.
Practice example: Select a box object on your drawing and move it. Note that the connector line moves with it.
Auto Connect feature Visio 2007: Using the Visio 2007 Auto Connect feature to simplify shape connections. Flowcharts using the pale blue arrowheads around a box shape
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
By Chuck Bryan www.pcencyclo.com
Page 4 of 6 Available on CD\ DVD in PDF Format
Copyright : 3/29/2010
Hovering on a pale blue arrow will bring up a text balloon saying “Connect to neighboring shape”
Click on the pale blue arrow to then trigger an Auto Connect to be made from that connection point to the nearest shape object. This like will then connect via segmented right angles if necessary.
Connector Tool:
This lets you move a box shape diagonally and a connector line at right angles will be automatically made, instead of the simple “glued” line which then can end up at an angle. The location of the “drop-down” in this case can be varied as desired as well
Grouping Lines Together to make more complex shapes: Intro to Shape Options: The various Main menu “Shape” options are the heart of Visio, letting you combine basic shapes into more complex ones ( even in layers ) or disassembling them among other features:
Ungroup: Discovering the components of a custom AND Gate shape
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
By Chuck Bryan www.pcencyclo.com
Page 5 of 6 Available on CD\ DVD in PDF Format
Copyright : 3/29/2010
Text : Annotating diagrams: Text in Connectors The ability to add text to your diagrams is extremely important for maximum information transmission. Towards that end, Visio supports a wide range of text features and options.
Visio 3D box with text insert Text box ( insert just text anywhere on a drawing ) Text formatting ( size font color )
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
By Chuck Bryan www.pcencyclo.com
Page 6 of 6 Available on CD\ DVD in PDF Format
Copyright : 3/29/2010
Text tool ( lets you insert text in a connector line or arrow ). That line may then be rotated and the text angle changes as well.) Text Block tool ( lets you rotate just text to any angle )
C:\Users\Chuck\Documents\PC_Encyclo\V\Visio\Visio_Lines and Connectors.doc
