book

Microsoft® Office Visio® 2003 Inside Out

by Mark H. Walker, Nanette Eaton

November 2003

Intermediate to advanced

928 pages

26h 20m

English

Microsoft Press

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Microsoft® Office Visio® 2003 Inside Out
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A Note Regarding Supplemental Files
Acknowledgments
We’d Like to Hear from You!
About the CD
What’s On the CD
Using the CD
System Requirements
Support Information
Conventions and Features Used in This Book
Text Conventions

Design Conventions
1. Introduction to Visio 2003
1. Getting Started with Visio 2003
What is Visio?Two Versions: Visio Standard and Visio ProfessionalDrag-and-Drop Diagramming with ShapesDiagramming in Visio Standard vs. Modeling in Visio Professional
What’s New in This Release
Collaboration in Visio 2003What You Won’t Find in This Release
Starting with the Diagram Type You Want
Starting with a TemplateStarting in the New Drawing Pane
Touring the Visio Window
Using the Toolbars for Drawing and FormattingWorking in the Visio Drawing PagePanning and ZoomingViewing Shapes and Pages in the Drawing ExplorerMerging Windows
Finding the Information You Need
Using Online HelpTemplate HelpDialog Box HelpSources of Other InformationInformation for Network ProfessionalsInformation for Visio Developers
Opening Visio Documents
Opening an Existing DiagramOpening a Recently Used DiagramOpening Another Visio File TypeOpening a New Drawing File Without a TemplateOpening StencilsOpening Older Versions of Microsoft Visio FilesSearching for a File to Open
2. Creating a Diagram
Adding Shapes to a DiagramIdentifying Parts of a ShapeUsing 1-D and 2-D ShapesControl HandlesConnecting Shapes as You Add ThemFinding the Shape You Want
Laying Out Shapes on the Page
Moving ShapesSelecting Multiple ShapesUsing Stacking OrderFlipping and Rotating ShapesGrouping ShapesEditing Multiple Shapes at Once
Adding and Editing Pages
Adding, Rearranging, and Removing PagesUsing Background PagesResizing PagesDragging to Resize a PageSpecifying the Page SizeRotating Pages
Quickly Formatting Shapes and Diagrams
Formatting with the Formatting ToolbarFormatting with the Format CommandsWorking with Color SchemesApplying Transparent ColorsAdding Backgrounds and Borders
3. Connecting Shapes
Adding Connectors to Your DiagramsUsing Connectors and the Connector ToolUsing the Connector Shapes on StencilsDrawing Connectors with the Connector ToolDrawing Specific Connectors with the Connector ToolChanging the Type of ConnectionDragging Connectors from ShapesConnecting a Series of Shapes All at Once
Laying Out Shapes Automatically
Setting Up Shapes for Automated LayoutSetting Layout Style, Depth, and RoutingCustomizing Shape Spacing and Connector RoutingAdjusting Shape SpacingAdjusting the Connector Path ManuallyDisplaying Line Jumps on Crossing Connectors
Adding Connection Points to Shapes
Using Different Types of Connection PointsChanging Connection Point TypeChanging the Angle of Connection
Controlling Connections with Glue
4. Adding Text to Shapes and Diagrams
Adding TextHow Visio Fits Text to ShapesUsing the Text ToolUnderstanding Text and Text BlocksViewing Text Blocks in the ShapeSheet WindowUnderstanding Text in Groups
Selecting and Editing Text
Cutting, Copying, and Pasting TextCopying Text from Other ProgramsDeleting Text from a ShapeAdding Text to Lines and ConnectorsRepositioning Text on Lines and ConnectorsEditing Locked Lines and ConnectorsAdding and Editing Text in GroupsAdding Text on a Layer
Creating Tables and Lists
Tabbing to Create Tables and ListsUsing Shapes to Create TablesEditing Table ShapesFormatting Table ShapesCreating Bulleted and Numbered ListsCreating Lists with Custom Bullet SymbolsCreating Numbered Lists
Formatting Text
Changing the Text Font and StyleFormatting Paragraphs of TextChanging Paragraph Alignment and IndentationChanging Text Block AlignmentFormatting Text with StylesSetting a Default Format for All TextChanging How Text is Displayed On-Screen
Changing the Position of a Shape’s Text
Finding and Correcting Text
Finding and Replacing TextChecking SpellingCreating Your Own DictionaryTurning Off the Spelling CheckerAutomatically Correcting Text as You TypeAdding AutoCorrect EntriesSpecifying Exceptions to the AutoCorrect Rules
Using Visio Shapes to Display Text
Annotating Diagrams with Callout ShapesDisplaying Values in a Custom CalloutAdding a Title Block to a DiagramTips for Formatting Title BlocksCreating a Custom Title Block for a Technical DrawingSaving a Customized Title Block
Adding Text to Headers and Footers
Creating Text Fields to Display Information
Inserting a Field into TextEditing Fields
5. Using Visio Diagrams on the Web
Visio and the Web
Linking Visio Shapes and Pages
Linking to Another Shape, Page, Document, or Web SiteLinking to a Web SiteLinking to a FileLinking to a Page or ShapeUsing a Relative PathAdding a Hyperlink Navigation ShapeModifying or Deleting a HyperlinkCopying Hyperlinks
Exporting Visio Diagrams for Use on the Web
Files Created by the Save As Web Page CommandCreating Web Pages from Visio DiagramsDisplaying Shape Data in a FrameViewing Multiple Hyperlinks in a ShapeEmbedding a Visio Drawing into an Existing Web PageUsing a Visio Diagram as a Web Graphic
6. Storing Data in Diagrams
Working with Shapes, Data, and Custom PropertiesUsing Shapes with Custom PropertiesCreating Properties in Master ShapesCustomizing the Custom Properties WindowDisplaying Properties for One ShapeAccessing Custom Properties Through the ShapeSheet
Entering Data in Shapes
Defining Custom Properties
Defining Custom Properties for Individual ShapesDefining Custom Properties for Master Shapes
Using Custom Property Sets
Defining a Set of Custom PropertiesDefining a New Set Based on Existing Custom PropertiesDefining a New Set and Its PropertiesEditing Custom Property SetsApplying a Custom Property Set to ShapesApplying Custom Property Sets to Master Shapes on a Custom StencilDeleting Custom Properties
Creating Reports
Running a ReportDefining a Custom ReportSelecting Report ContentsFormatting a Custom ReportPerforming Calculations on Report ContentsSorting Report ContentsSpecifying Numeric Precision for ValuesSaving a Report Definition
7. Using Visio Diagrams with Other Programs
Working with OLE
Linking a Diagram to a Microsoft Office Document
Editing a Linked DiagramUpdating a Linked Diagram
Embedding a Diagram in a Microsoft Office Document
Embedding an Entire Visio DiagramUsing Visio Shapes in Other ProgramsCreating a Visio Diagram Within Another ApplicationEditing an Embedded DiagramSizing an Embedded Visio DiagramPasting Without Embedding
Exporting Shapes and Diagrams
Exporting a Shape as a GraphicExporting a Diagram in PDF Format
Importing Information from Other Programs
Embedding and Linking Microsoft Office Documents in VisioImporting GraphicsUsing Filter Options When ImportingEditing Imported GraphicsInserting Pictures from a Scanner or Digital CameraOther Methods for Using Data from Other Applications in Visio
8. Saving and Printing Your Work
Saving a DiagramDocument WorkspacesIncluding File Properties with a DiagramChanging Where Diagrams Are SavedSaving to a Document Management System
Protecting a Visio Document
Saving Read-Only DiagramsLocking a Diagram Against Changes
Sending Diagrams in E-Mail
Routing DocumentsSending Diagrams to Microsoft Exchange
Printing Diagrams of Any Size
Printing Tiled Drawings and DiagramsControlling How Tiled Pages BreakReducing a Tiled Diagram to Fit the PageFitting a Tiled Diagram on a Specified Number of PagesCentering a Diagram Before PrintingPrinting Multiple-Page DrawingsPrinting Selected Shapes or PagesPrinting Selected ShapesSetting Shapes to Not PrintPrinting Foreground and Background PagesPrinting a Diagram to a File
Previewing Before You Print
Using the Print Preview WindowPreviewing with the Print Setup Command
2. Inside Business Diagrams
9. Creating Flowcharts
Understanding Flowcharts in VisioChoosing a Flowchart TemplateAdditional Flowcharts and Process Diagrams in Visio Professional
Creating a Basic Flowchart
Starting a New FlowchartAligning Flowchart ShapesAdding and Removing Flowchart ShapesNumbering Flowchart Shapes AutomaticallyNumbering Shapes in a Specific Order
Creating a Cross-Functional Flowchart
Adding Functional BandsEditing and Reordering Functional BandsMoving Shapes to a New BandAdding a Separator to a Flowchart
Showing Cause and Effect
Creating a Fishbone DiagramEditing TextMoving Cause and Effect Shapes
Creating Multiple-Page Flowcharts
Continuing a Flowchart on Another PageEnlarging a Page to Fit a Large Flowchart
Formatting a Flowchart Quickly
10. Visualizing an Organization
Understanding Organization Charts in VisioUsing the Organization Chart ToolsConverting Earlier Visio Organization Charts
Creating an Organization Chart Manually
Importing Organizational Data to Create a Chart
Importing Data from an Existing FileStep 1: Identify the Data SourceStep 2: Map Data to the Organization ChartStep 3: Specify the Information to DisplayStep 4: Specify Custom Property FieldsStep 5: Choose Layout Options for Large Organization ChartsStep 6: Choose Where to Break PagesImporting Data from a New File You Create
Working with an Organization Chart
Working with Multiple-Page Organization Charts
Comparing Charts and Creating Reports
Comparing and Updating Versions of an Organization ChartUpdating an Organization ChartCreating Reports About an Organization
Formatting an Organization Chart
11. Displaying Relationships and Processes in Block Diagrams
Choosing a Block DiagramUsing the Block Diagram TemplatesStarting a Block Diagram
Showing Hierarchies with Block Diagram Shapes
Creating Block DiagramsModifying Block Diagram ShapesCreating Tree DiagramsStarting a New Tree DiagramModifying Tree Diagram Shapes
Showing Relationships in an Onion Diagram
Creating Onion DiagramsRevising Shapes in an Onion DiagramDividing a Layer into Sections
Showing Concepts with 3-D Block Diagrams
Creating 3-D Block DiagramsChanging the Diagram’s PerspectiveHiding the Vanishing PointAdjusting the Shadow Color
12. Tracking Projects and Schedules
Project Scheduling in VisioUsing Visio with Microsoft Project
Creating a Project Timeline
Creating a Timeline from ScratchShowing Project MilestonesAdding an Interval to a TimelineCreating a Vertical TimelineExpanded TimelineCreating a Gantt Chart from a Timeline
Creating Monthly and Yearly Calendars
Creating a Monthly CalendarCreating a Yearly CalendarModifying the Look of Your CalendarImporting Data from Microsoft Outlook
Viewing Projects with PERT Charts
Scheduling Projects with Gantt Charts
Creating a Gantt ChartAdding Task Names and DatesEditing TasksAdding SubtasksAdding Task Bar LabelsLinking Tasks to Show DependenciesCustomizing Columns in a Gantt ChartExporting a Visio Gantt Chart to Use in Project
Importing Scheduling Information
13. Adding Impact to Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations
Using Visio Shapes and Diagrams in PresentationsMethods for Adding Shapes and Diagrams to Slides
Formatting Visio Diagrams for PowerPoint Slides
Formatting Visio Text for SlidesQuickly Copying Text FormatsUsing Styles to Format TextAdjusting Visio Text Colors for PowerPointApplying PowerPoint Colors to a Visio Diagram
Pasting and Embedding a Diagram on a Slide
Embedding Shapes or Diagrams on a SlideEditing an Embedded Diagram in PlaceLinking and Embedding Multiple-Page Diagrams
Linking Visio and PowerPoint
Linking a Diagram to a SlideEditing and Updating Linked DiagramsRepairing Links When Files Are Moved or RenamedConverting Linked Diagrams to Pictures
Animating and Building Visio Diagrams in PowerPoint
Creating Diagrams for PowerPoint AnimationShowing Visio Diagrams Sequentially in Slides
Delivering a Slide Show in Visio
3. Inside Network Diagrams
14. Creating Network Diagrams
Starting a Network DiagramChoosing a Network TemplateVisio Standard Network ToolsVisio Professional Network ToolsSetting Up a New Network Diagram
Defining Network Topology
Attaching Nodes and DevicesDrawing Network ConnectionsUsing Layers to Represent Different NetworksAssigning a Network Shape to a LayerViewing Shapes by LayerNumbering the Shapes in a Network Diagram
Customizing Network Shapes
Editing Label TextRepositioning LabelsAdding a Background Behind TextEditing Network Equipment ShapesEditing Network Cables and Connectors
Creating Multiple-Page Network Diagrams
Resizing the Page to Fit a Large Network DiagramAdding Hyperlinks to Multiple-Page Diagrams
Tracking and Reporting on Network Equipment
Associating Serial Numbers and Other Data with Network ShapesGenerating Reports from Network Data
Creating a Directory Diagram
Starting a Directory DiagramUsing Shapes to Add Objects and Classes
15. Planning and Mapping Web Sites
Understanding the Web Site Map TemplateViewing a Site MapCollapsing and Expanding Site MapsViewing a Web Site ModelDetermining What is Mapped
Creating a Site Map
Adding a Site Map to Another DiagramChoosing a Web Site to Map
Changing Site Mapping Settings
Choosing a Layout for a Site MapChoosing File Types to MapIncluding Link ProtocolsSpecifying HTML AttributesNarrowing the Scope of Site MappingSpecifying a Password and Security Options for a Site
Customizing Web Site Shapes
Adding Shapes to a Web Site MapAdding Web Site Shapes to the ModelLocating a Shape in a Site Map
Modifying Web Site Maps
Viewing One Page and Its LinksFormatting a Site Map Across Multiple Pages
Troubleshooting Web Sites
Reporting on a Site’s ProblemsComparing Versions of a SiteConceptual Web Sites
4. Inside Scaled Drawings
16. Measuring and Dimensioning with Precision
Setting Up Measurements in a DiagramWorking with a Drawing ScaleSetting a Page’s Drawing ScaleDisplaying the Drawing ScaleUsing Shapes in Scaled DrawingsChoosing the Units of Measure for the DrawingSetting Default Units for the Drawing FileCustomizing the RulersSetting Ruler SubdivisionsChanging the Zero PointSnapping Shapes to Ruler SubdivisionsControlling Grid Spacing and OriginChanging Variable Grid SpacingSetting a Fixed GridSetting the Grid Origin
Positioning Shapes Precisely
Snapping Shapes for Automatic AlignmentUsing the Dynamic Grid to Center ShapesEntering Coordinates for Shape PositionDisplaying 1-D Shapes in the Size & Position WindowEntering Values to Move ShapesMoving Shapes with the Move Shapes Add-In
Aligning and Moving Shapes with Guides
Creating Nonlinear Guide ShapesDisabling a Guide Shape’s Selection HandlesMoving and Rotating GuidesHiding GuidesUsing the ShapeSheet to Move GuidesMoving Shapes and Guides TogetherSpacing Shapes on a GuideDistributing Shapes on a GuideSetting a Reference with Guide PointsMoving a Guide PointPrinting Guides
Aligning Shapes to Each Other
Adjusting Shape AlignmentUsing the Align Shapes CommandAdjusting Shape Distribution
Calculating and Displaying Dimensions
Using Dimension Lines to Show SizeAdding a Dimension LineControlling the Way Dimensions Are Displayed
Displaying Custom Measurements
Displaying Width, Height, or Angle on ShapesCalculating Perimeter and AreaMeasuring Multiple ShapesMeasuring Area with Empty Space
Controlling Shapes with Layers
About LayersUsing Shapes with Preassigned LayersViewing Layers in a Diagram in the Drawing ExplorerCreating Layers in a DiagramAssigning Shapes to LayersAssigning Visio Masters to Different LayersAssigning Groups to LayersWorking with Active LayersUsing Layers to Protect, Hide, and Organize ShapesUsing Layers in Multiple-Page Diagrams
17. Using CAD Drawings in Visio
How Visio Works with CAD ProgramsUsing Visio for CAD UsersModel Space Versus the Drawing PageWorld Coordinates Versus Drawing UnitsVisio Equivalents for CAD CommandsDrawings with Externally Referenced or Image Files
Importing CAD Drawings in Visio
Importing Layers and LevelsImporting a CAD FileSnapping to Objects in the CAD DrawingLocking and Unlocking a CAD Drawing
Modifying Inserted CAD Drawings
Positioning an Imported CAD DrawingSizing an Imported CAD DrawingChanging the Scale of an Imported CAD DrawingChanging the Drawing ScaleAdjusting the Page Size
Converting CAD Drawings into Visio Format
Converting an Imported CAD DrawingStep 1: Select the Layers to ConvertStep 2: Hiding or Deleting CAD LayersStep 3: Converting Dimensions and Hatch PatternsConverting Multiple CAD DrawingsCustomizing the CAD Conversion ProcessConverting Symbol Libraries into StencilsAdjusting How Converted Shapes Overlap
Converting Visio Diagrams into CAD Format
18. Laying Out Floor and Site Plans
Starting with a Basic Floor PlanStarting with the Office Layout TemplateStarting a Building Shell in Visio ProfessionalMoving a Building Shell to the Background
Starting from an Existing Floor Plan
Using a Floor Plan from a CAD DrawingCopying an Existing Visio Floor PlanOpening a Floor Plan Created in Visio 2000
Using Space Shapes to Start a Floor Plan
Designing Space in a Building PlanUsing Space ShapesCreating Space with the Drawing ToolsCustomizing Space ShapesConverting Space Shapes into Walls
Adding Interior Walls and Cubicles
Designing Space with Room ShapesAdding Interior WallsCustomizing the Appearance of Wall ShapesCreating a Ceiling Grid
Adding Doors, Windows, and Openings
Choosing Doors and Windows DefaultsCreating a Door and Window Schedule
Adding Building Services
Adding HVAC Services to a PlanInserting Control Logic SchematicsLabeling HVAC ShapesAdding DuctworkHVAC Shapes and LayersDrawing the Plumbing LayoutAdding Plumbing EquipmentUsing Layers with Piping ShapesAdding Electrical and Telecommunication ServicesConfiguring Electrical and Telecommunication ShapesConnecting and Positioning Electrical ShapesAdding Security SystemsAdding Security System ShapesConfiguring Security System Shapes
Creating Site and Landscaping Plans
Adding Landscaping DetailsAdding Roads to a Site PlanAdding Recreation Equipment to a Site Plan
Adding Dimensions to Floor and Site Plans
5. Inside Database and Software Diagrams
19. Diagramming and Documenting Databases
Modeling Relational and Object-Relational DatabasesStarting a New Database Model DiagramViewing Tables and Other Model ElementsGetting Feedback from the Output WindowViewing Database CodeSetting Modeling Preferences
Reverse Engineering an Existing Database
Setting Up a Data SourceStep 1: Connecting to a Data SourceStep 2: Extracting Database ObjectsStep 3: Selecting Tables and ViewsStep 4: Creating a DiagramStep 5: Finishing the WizardUpdating a Database Model Diagram
Modifying a Database Model
Adding and Editing Tables and ColumnsAdding Columns to a TableCategorizing Subtypes of TablesSpecifying Data TypesSetting a Column’s Data TypeCreating User-Defined Data TypesSpecifying Relationships and CardinalityDisplaying Role Text on RelationshipsDisplaying Referential Integrity and CardinalityDefining an Index
20. Diagramming Software Systems
Deciding Which Software Solution to UseUsing the Data Flow Model Diagram Template
Modeling Software Systems Using UML
Using the Model ExplorerDefining PackagesAdding and Deleting ElementsCustomizing UML Shapes
Creating a New UML Model
Creating a Use Case DiagramCreating a Static Structure DiagramCreating a Sequence DiagramCreating an Activity DiagramCreating a Statechart DiagramCreating a Collaboration DiagramCreating a Component DiagramCreating a Deployment Diagram
Defining Common Model Properties
Reverse Engineering Source Code
Reverse Engineering Visual C++ 6 Source CodeReverse Engineering Visual Basic 6 Source Code
6. Inside the Visio Platform
21. Customizing Shapes and Solutions
Mastering Visio DocumentsOpening Drawing (.vsd) FilesOpening Files That Contain MacrosOpening Stencil (.vss) FilesSaving and Opening Read-Only StencilsOpening Template (.vst) Files
Visio and XML File Formats
Opening XML FilesMaking XML the Default File Format
Understanding Shapes and Masters
Saving Customized Shapes as MastersEditing MastersDesigning and Displaying Master IconsCreating Master IconsDisplaying Master Icons on a StencilCreating a New StencilAdding Shapes to a New StencilSaving Changes to a New StencilSaving a Document Stencil as a New Stencil
Customizing Templates
Adding Stencils to a TemplateCreating Templates for Scaled Drawings
Protecting File Settings
Programming Solutions with VBA
About Writing Add-InsGetting More Information
22. Drawing and Editing to Create New Shapes
Understanding Shape GeometryUsing the Drawing ToolsEditing Shapes with the Pencil Tool
Identifying Shape Behavior
Understanding 1-D Shape BehaviorUnderstanding 2-D Shape BehaviorConverting 2-D Shapes to 1-D ShapesUnderstanding Closed and Open ShapesDrawing Closed Shapes
Drawing Lines
Converting Arcs to LinesCreating Infinite LinesDrawing Angled LinesDrawing Tangent Lines on CurvesDrawing Accurate Geometry with Shape Extension LinesDisplaying Shape Extension LinesDisplaying and Controlling Isometric Alignment Tools
Drawing Curves
Drawing Circular and Elliptical ArcsDrawing Freeform Curves or SplinesAdjusting the Freeform ToolFitting a Curve to Specific Points
Merging Shapes to Create New Ones
Merging 2-D Shapes with Shape OperationsHow the Combine Command WorksHow the Fragment Command WorksHow the Intersect Command WorksHow Subtract WorksHow the Union Command WorksCreating and Offsetting Lines with Shape OperationsHow the Join Command WorksHow the Offset Command WorksHow the Trim Command Works
Working with Groups
Identifying GroupsEditing Shapes in a GroupSubselecting Shapes in Locked GroupsEditing Locked GroupsEditing Locked Shapes in a GroupEditing in the Group WindowRepairing a Group’s Alignment BoxControlling Shape Behavior in GroupsControlling How Shapes Are Sized in GroupsControlling How Shapes Are Added to GroupsControlling How Shapes and Groups Are SelectedControlling Group Text and DisplayControlling Glue in Groups
23. Defining Styles, Patterns, and Colors
Understanding Text, Line, and Fill StylesApplying Styles from the Style ListsFormatting Versus Applying StylesComparing Color Schemes and StylesOverriding and Protecting Shape FormatsRestoring the Factory Default Shape FormatsFormatting Locked ShapesRemoving Style LocksFormatting Guarded Shapes
Creating and Editing Styles
Creating a New Text, Line, or Fill StyleBasing a New Style on a ShapeDefining a New Style from ScratchEditing Existing StylesDeleting a StyleCopying Styles and Color Schemes to Other Diagrams
Setting Default Styles for Drawing
Creating Your Own Line and Fill Patterns
Understanding Pattern PhilosophyMethods of Creating a PatternDesigning a Pattern ShapeAdjusting the PinAdjusting the Alignment BoxDesigning and Creating a Fill PatternHow Fill Patterns Are AppliedDesigning a Fill Pattern for Scaled DrawingsDesigning Solid vs. Transparent FillsCreating Fill PatternsCreating a Line PatternHow Line Patterns Are AppliedDesigning Line Patterns for Scaled DrawingsCreating Line PatternsCreating a Line End PatternHow Line End Patterns Are AppliedDesigning Line End Patterns for Scaled DrawingsCreating Line End PatternsApplying Line End Patterns
Working with Color in Visio
How Visio Applies Color to ShapesEditing the Color PaletteChanging or Restoring the Color Palette
24. Connecting Diagrams and Databases
About Visio and DatabasesUnderstanding Shape–Database ConnectionsExporting and Linking ShapeSheet Information
Connecting to an ODBC Data Source
Exporting Shape Properties to a Database
Mapping Shape Properties to an Existing DatabaseChanging How Property Values Are ExportedChanging How Properties Are Mapped
Linking Shapes and Databases
Linking LimitationsUsing the Link To Database CommandLinking Master ShapesAdding Shortcut Commands to Linked ShapesLinking to a New TableUnderstanding How a Visio Link Works
Managing Linked Shapes
Adding Commands to Update All Shapes at OnceUpdating Shapes Automatically
25. Making Shapes Smart
Using the ShapeSheet WindowViewing ShapeSheet SectionsTouring the ShapeSheet Sections
Writing ShapeSheet Formulas
Contents of a FormulaCreating and Editing FormulasCreating a Cell Reference in a FormulaEntering FunctionsProtecting Shape Formulas
Exploring Shape Geometry
Defining Double-Click Actions for Shapes
Adding Shortcut Commands to Shapes
Adding a Predefined ActionAdding a Smart Tag to Your ShapeAdding a Visio Command
7. Inside Technical Diagrams
26. Managing Facilities with Space Plans
About Space PlansUsing the Explorer WindowUnderstanding Shape CategoriesUnderstanding Unplaced Data
Displaying a Floor Plan in a Space Plan
Starting a Space Plan from ScratchUsing a CAD DrawingUsing an Existing Visio DrawingImporting a Graphic to Use as a Floor Plan
Defining Spaces in a Floor Plan
Adding Space to a Floor Plan by Importing InformationUsing Shapes to Add Spaces to a Floor PlanDefining Boundaries Around Areas
Using the Import Data Wizard
Starting the Import Data WizardPreparing to Use a DatabaseStep 1: Selecting Where You Want Your Data to Be PlacedStep 2: Attaching to a DatabaseStep 3: Identifying the Name and Location InformationStep 4: Finishing UpRefreshing the Data
Using the Space Plan Startup Wizard
Adding and Associating Resources
Assigning a Category to a ShapeAssociating Spaces, Assets, and People
Formatting the Data in Your Space Plan
Color-Coding ShapesEditing a LegendSaving a Legend ShapeDisplaying Labels on Shapes
Finding and Moving People and Resources
Finding People and Assets in a Floor PlanMoving People and Assets
Saving Space Plans on the Web
Creating Space and Asset Reports
Editing Space and Asset ReportsCreating Reports in Different Formats
27. Diagramming for Mechanical, Electrical, and Process Engineering
Engineering Solutions in Visio Professional
Creating Mechanical Engineering Drawings
Using the Part and Assembly Drawing TemplateUsing Springs and FastenersDrawing with the Drawing Tool ShapesUsing the Fluid Power TemplateConnecting a Fluid Power DiagramUsing Fluid Power Shapes
Creating Electrical Schematics
Connecting Electrical and Electronic ShapesLabeling Components
Using the Process Engineering Template
Using a Diagram as a System ModelStarting a New Process Engineering ModelConverting Visio 2000 Diagrams to This Version
Creating P&IDs and PFDs
Working with PipelinesShowing Pipeline ConnectionsChanging Pipeline Appearance and BehaviorAssociating Shapes with Components in the Component ExplorerUsing Multiple Shapes to Represent a Component
Adding Data to Components
Adding Component DataEditing Custom Properties
Labeling, Tagging, and Numbering Components
Labeling Shapes with Component DataTagging ComponentsDefining Component TagsRenumbering Components
Creating Pipeline, Valve, and Other Reports
Generating Component ListsCustomizing Process Engineering Reports
Converting Shapes and CAD Symbols into Components
8. Appendixes
A. Installing Visio 2003
Installation Features
Installing Visio 2003
Step 1: Start SetupStep 2: Choosing Your Installation TypeStep 3: Installing with a Previous Version of VisioStep 4: Installing Visio
Activating a New Installation of Visio
Failing to Activate VisioActivating Visio on Terminal Server
Running the Setup Program to Maintain Visio
B. Template and Stencil Reference
Templates and Stencils in Visio Standard
Templates and Stencils in Visio Professional
C. Index to Troubleshooting Topics
D. About the Author
Index
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Content preview from Microsoft® Office Visio® 2003 Inside Out

Linking Shapes and Databases

Visio can link shape properties to database records with a two-way connection that you can keep up to date. In programmatic terms, the link is persistent, which means that after you set up the link between shapes and database records, the connection remains in effect as long as both the drawing file and database exist. When you change the value of linked shape properties, you can refresh the database with the values. Likewise, when the database changes, you can update shapes. Clearly, this functionality is a powerful way to tie drawings and data together. Your drawing file can become a dynamic catalog of information that accurately reflects the contents of a database. At a minimum, you can create a shape-to-database ...

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Microsoft® Office Visio® 2003 Inside Out

by Mark H. Walker, Nanette Eaton

Linking Shapes and Databases

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