book

Visio® 2007 Bible

Name: Visio® 2007 Bible
Author: Bonnie Biafore
ISBN: 9780470109960

by Bonnie Biafore

April 2007

Intermediate to advanced

833 pages

20h 46m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Is This Book for You?Conventions Used in This BookIcons Used in This BookHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: Understanding Visio FundamentalsPart II: Integrating Visio DrawingsPart III: Using Visio for Office ProductivityPart IV: Using Visio in Information TechnologyPart V: Using Visio for Architecture and EngineeringPart VI: Customizing Templates, Stencils, and ShapesPart VII: Quick Reference
I. Understanding Visio Fundamentals
1. Getting Started with Visio
1.1. What's New in Visio 2007?1.1.1. Productivity Enhancements1.1.2. New and Improved Templates and Stencils1.1.3. What's Missing in Visio 20071.1.4. New Homes for Features in Visio 20071.2. What Visio Is and Isn't1.3. Understanding Visio Concepts1.3.1. Using Templates and Stencils1.3.2. What Makes Shapes Smart1.3.3. Connecting Shapes1.3.3.1. What Connectors Do1.3.3.2. Straight versus Dynamic Connectors1.3.3.3. Using Glue1.4. Exploring the Visio 2007 Interface1.4.1. Menus and Toolbars1.4.2. Task Panes1.4.3. The Visio 2007 Drawing Area1.4.3.1. The Drawing Window1.4.3.2. The Shapes Window1.4.3.3. The Drawing Explorer1.4.3.4. The Size & Position Window1.4.3.5. The Shape Data Window1.4.3.6. The ShapeSheet Window1.5. Summary
2. Getting Started with Drawings
2.1. Creating Drawings2.1.1. The Advantages of Templates2.1.2. Methods for Choosing a Template2.1.3. Creating Drawings from Templates2.1.4. Creating Drawings from Existing Drawings2.2. Opening Drawings2.2.1. Opening Visio Drawings2.2.2. Accessing Recently Used Files2.2.3. Opening Other Types of Files in Visio2.3. Saving Visio Files2.3.1. Saving as Other Formats2.3.2. Configuring Visio Open and Save Options2.4. Protecting Files2.4.1. Saving a Read-Only Copy2.4.2. The Protect Document Command2.4.3. Security and Privacy Settings2.4.3.1. Macro Settings2.4.3.2. Add-ins2.4.3.3. ActiveX Settings2.5. Summary
3. Working with Visio Files
3.1. Viewing Drawings3.1.1. Panning and Zooming3.1.1.1. Fast Pan and Zoom with Keyboard Shortcuts3.1.1.2. Visual Cues with the Pan & Zoom Window3.1.1.3. Panning and Zooming from Menus and Toolbars3.1.2. Working with Drawing Windows3.1.2.1. Creating New Windows3.1.2.2. Managing Multiple Windows3.2. Working with Drawing Pages3.2.1. Background and Foreground Pages3.2.2. Creating Pages in a Drawing3.2.2.1. Creating New Pages3.2.2.2. Creating Background Pages3.2.3. Editing Pages3.2.3.1. Renaming Pages3.2.3.2. Deleting Pages3.2.3.3. Reordering Pages3.2.3.4. Rotating Pages3.2.4. Setting Up Pages3.2.4.1. Specifying the Printing Settings3.2.4.2. Specifying Page Size3.2.4.3. Defining Drawing Scale3.2.4.4. Specifying Measurement Units3.2.4.5. Setting Up Layout and Routing3.2.4.6. Setting Up Shadows3.3. Previewing and Printing Drawings3.3.1. Previewing Drawings3.3.2. Printing Drawings3.3.2.1. Printing Parts of a Drawing3.3.2.2. Printing Large Drawings3.3.2.3. Printing Drawings in the Center of the Paper3.4. Summary
4. Working with Shapes
4.1. Shapes 1014.1.1. Types of Shapes4.1.1.1. One-Dimensional Shapes4.1.1.2. Two-Dimensional Shapes4.1.2. Stencils, Masters, and Instances4.1.3. Positioning Shapes4.1.4. Modifying Shapes4.1.5. Groups of Shapes4.2. Finding the Right Shapes4.2.1. Opening Stencils4.2.2. Getting Shapes from Others4.2.3. Searching for Shapes4.2.4. Setting Options for Shape Searches4.2.4.1. Troubleshooting Shape Searches4.2.4.2. Saving Shape Search Results to a Stencil4.2.4.3. Speeding Up Shape Searches with the Indexing Service4.2.5. Finding Shapes on Drawings4.3. Selecting Shapes4.3.1. Selecting Individual Shapes4.3.2. Selecting Multiple Shapes4.4. Positioning Shapes4.4.1. Positioning with Rulers, Grids, and Guides4.4.1.1. About Rulers, Grids, and Guides4.4.1.2. Working with Rulers4.4.1.3. Working with a Grid4.4.1.4. Working with Guides4.4.2. Placing Shapes with Precision4.4.2.1. Snapping Shapes into Position4.4.2.2. Configuring Snapping Elements4.4.2.3. Positioning Shapes with the Dynamic Grid4.4.2.4. Using Drawing Aids4.4.2.5. Positioning Shapes by Coordinates4.5. Automatically Laying Out Shapes4.5.1. Specifying Layout Options4.5.2. Specifying Layout and Routing Spacing4.5.3. Specifying Line Jump Options4.5.4. Configuring Placement Behavior4.6. Moving, Rotating, and Flipping Shapes4.6.1. Methods for Moving Shapes4.6.1.1. Aligning Shapes with One Another4.6.1.2. Distributing Shapes Evenly Over a Distance4.6.1.3. Moving Shapes with Guides4.6.1.4. Moving Shapes Precisely with the Move Shapes Add-On4.6.2. Rotating Shapes4.6.3. Flipping Shapes4.7. Manipulating Shapes4.7.1. Undoing Actions and Deleting Shapes4.7.2. Duplicating Shapes4.7.2.1. Copying Shapes4.7.2.2. Creating an Array of Shapes4.7.3. Resizing and Reshaping Shapes4.7.4. Reordering Overlapping Shapes4.7.5. Grouping Shapes4.7.5.1. Making and Breaking Up Groups4.7.5.2. Working with Locked Groups4.8. Using Visio Drawing Tools4.8.1. Drawing with Snap To Tools4.8.2. Drawing Lines4.8.3. Drawing Arcs and Curves4.8.4. Drawing Closed Shapes4.8.5. Using the Pencil Tool4.9. Summary

5. Connecting Shapes
5.1. Understanding Connectors5.1.1. Connector Basics5.1.2. An Introduction to Connecting Shapes5.2. Working with AutoConnect5.3. Other Methods for Connecting Shapes5.3.1. Using Stencil Connectors5.3.2. Using the Connector Tool5.3.3. Dragging Points to Connect Shapes5.3.4. Connecting a Sequence of Shapes5.4. Organizing Connections with Glue5.4.1. Gluing Shapes5.4.2. Specifying Points for Glue5.5. Adding, Moving, and Deleting Connection Points5.6. Summary
6. Working with Text
6.1. Adding Text to Drawings6.1.1. Adding Text to Visio Shapes6.1.2. Adding Text to Groups of Shapes6.1.3. Adding Text-Only Shapes6.1.4. Displaying Field Information in Text6.1.5. Displaying Information in Headers and Footers6.1.6. Adding Comments to Drawings6.2. Selecting and Editing Text6.2.1. Selecting Text6.2.2. Selecting Text in Groups6.2.3. Editing Text6.2.4. Deleting Text6.2.5. Finding, Replacing, and Correcting Text6.2.5.1. Finding Text6.2.5.2. Finding Shapes by Searching for Text6.2.5.3. Replacing Text6.2.5.4. Checking Spelling6.3. Positioning Text6.3.1. Repositioning Text in a Shape6.3.2. Editing Locked Shapes6.4. Creating Special Annotations6.4.1. Creating Tables6.4.1.1. Using Built-in Table Shapes6.4.1.2. Formatting Shape Text into Columns6.4.2. Highlighting Information with Callouts6.4.2.1. Adding Callouts to a Drawing6.4.2.2. Displaying Properties in Callouts6.4.3. Documenting Drawings with Title Blocks6.4.4. Identifying Drawing Symbols with Legends6.4.4.1. Creating New Symbol Shapes6.4.5. Configuring Legends6.5. Labeling and Numbering Shapes6.6. Summary
7. Enhancing Diagram Appearance with Formatting
7.1. Fast Formatting with Themes7.1.1. Applying Themes7.1.2. Protecting Shapes from Theme Colors and Effects7.1.3. Creating Custom Themes7.1.4. Working with Custom Themes7.2. Working with Colors7.2.1. Using the Color Picker7.2.2. Using the Color Palette7.2.3. Specifying Color Settings for Drawings and Stencils7.3. Formatting with Styles7.3.1. Applying Styles7.3.2. Restoring Default Styles7.4. Applying Individual Formats7.4.1. Applying Formats to Lines7.4.2. Applying Fill Formats7.4.3. Applying Formats to Text7.4.3.1. Formatting Text Blocks and Paragraphs7.4.3.2. Creating Bulleted and Numbered Lists7.4.4. Formatting Shapes7.4.4.1. Applying Formatting to Shapes7.4.4.2. Applying Shadows to Shapes7.4.4.3. Protecting Shapes7.5. Summary
II. Integrating Visio Drawings
8. Inserting, Linking, and Embedding Objects
8.1. Navigating Drawings and Documents with Hyperlinks8.1.1. Inserting Hyperlinks8.1.2. Using Hyperlinks to Navigate Between Drawing Pages8.1.3. Modifying Hyperlinks8.2. Understanding Linking and Embedding8.3. Linking Visio Drawings with Other Files8.3.1. Linking Visio Drawings to Other Documents8.3.2. Linking Other Documents to Visio Drawings8.3.3. Moving and Resizing Linked Objects in Visio8.3.4. Editing the Content of Linked Objects8.3.5. Managing Linked Objects8.4. Embedding Objects8.4.1. Embedding Entire Files into Visio8.4.2. Embedding Portions of Files8.4.3. Positioning and Formatting Embedded Objects8.4.3.1. Moving and Resizing Objects8.4.3.2. Cropping Objects8.4.3.3. Adjusting the Space Surrounding Objects8.4.4. Editing the Content of Embedded Objects8.5. Perking Up Visio with Pictures8.5.1. Inserting Graphics Files into Drawings8.5.2. Searching for and Inserting Clip Art8.6. Fine-Tuning Visio Drawings for PowerPoint8.6.1. Formatting Visio Drawings in a Presentation8.6.2. Building Drawings in a Presentation8.6.2.1. Animating a Drawing on One PowerPoint Slide8.6.2.2. Building Sequences of PowerPoint Slides8.7. Summary
9. Importing, Exporting, and Publishing to the Web
9.1. File Formats That Visio Imports and Exports9.2. Importing Data into Visio9.2.1. Importing Graphic Files into Visio9.2.1.1. Cropping Imported Graphics9.2.1.2. Formatting Imported Graphics9.2.2. Importing Outlook Appointments to a Visio Calendar9.3. Exporting Shapes and Drawings9.4. Publishing to the Web9.4.1. Choosing an Output Format for a Visio Web Page9.4.2. Saving Drawings As Web Pages9.4.3. Specifying Web Page Publishing Options9.4.4. Embedding Visio Drawings in Web Pages9.4.5. Adding Hyperlink Navigation Shapes to Drawings9.5. Summary
10. Linking Shapes with Data
10.1. An Overview of Data Features in Visio 200710.1.1. Shape Data10.1.2. Linking Shapes to External Data10.1.3. Presenting Data on Drawings10.1.4. Creating Reports10.2. Storing and Viewing Shape Data10.3. Linking Drawings to External Data10.3.1. Linking a Drawing to a Data Source10.3.2. Linking a Drawing to More Than One Data Source10.3.3. Linking Data to Shapes on a Drawing10.3.3.1. Link Records Directly to Shapes10.3.3.2. Automatically Link Records to Shapes on a Drawing10.3.3.3. Adding Shapes with Built-in Data Links10.3.4. Refreshing the Data in Drawings10.3.4.1. Setting Up Data Refresh10.3.4.2. Resolving Conflicts10.4. Visualizing Data with Data Graphics10.4.1. Data Graphics Basics10.4.2. Adding a Data Graphic to Shapes10.4.3. Configuring Data Graphics10.4.3.1. Working with Items in a Data Graphic10.4.3.2. Specifying the Default Position and Hiding Shape Text10.4.3.3. Specifying the Settings Common to All Types of Callouts10.4.3.4. Emphasizing Textual Data with Text Callouts10.4.3.5. Visualizing the Magnitude of Numbers with Data Bar Callouts10.4.3.6. Showing Conditions with Icon Set Callouts10.4.3.7. Color-Coding Shapes with Color By Value Criteria10.5. Using the Visio Database Add-ons to Link Drawings and Databases10.5.1. Understanding Two-Way Links Between Shapes and Databases10.5.2. Creating Connections to Data Sources10.5.3. Linking Drawing Shapes to Database Records10.5.4. Linking Masters to Databases10.5.4.1. Generating Masters from Each Database Record10.5.4.2. Linking Masters to Specific Records10.5.4.3. Creating Masters That Link to Any Database Record10.5.5. Creating Drawings from Database Records10.5.6. Keeping Drawings and Databases in Sync10.5.6.1. Adding Drawing Page Commands to Synchronize Shapes10.5.6.2. Adding Actions and Events to Shapes10.5.6.3. Synchronizing Shapes and Database Records Automatically10.6. Exporting Shape Data to Databases10.7. Producing Reports10.7.1. Running Reports with Shape Data10.7.2. Defining Custom Reports10.7.2.1. Selecting Shapes on Which to Report10.7.2.2. Choosing Report Columns10.7.2.3. Grouping, Sorting, and Formatting Report Contents10.7.2.4. Saving Custom Reports10.8. Summary
III. Using Visio for Office Productivity
11. Collaborating with Others
11.1. Distributing Drawings11.1.1. Sending Drawings Using E-mail11.1.2. Routing Drawings11.1.3. Distributing Drawings to Exchange Folders11.2. Sharing Drawings11.2.1. Sharing Drawings with Colleagues Without Visio11.2.2. Working with Document Workspaces11.2.2.1. Creating a Document Workspace in Visio11.2.2.2. Creating a Document Workspace by Sending an E-mail11.2.2.3. Working with Drawings in a Document Workspace11.2.2.4. Deleting Document Workspaces11.2.2.5. Managing Shared Workspace Tasks11.3. Working with Multiple Languages11.3.1. Configuring Office for Multiple Languages11.3.2. Installing East Asian Language Files11.4. Tracking and Reviewing Changes11.4.1. Turning Markup On or Off11.4.2. Marking Up Drawings11.4.2.1. Inserting Comments11.4.2.2. Inserting Shapes11.4.2.3. Adding Freehand Markup Using Ink11.4.3. Reviewing Markup11.4.4. Updating Drawings with Markup Changes11.5. Summary
12. Building Block Diagrams
12.1. Exploring the Block Diagram Templates12.1.1. Choosing the Right Template12.1.2. Exploring Block Diagram Shapes12.1.2.1. Basic Shapes12.1.2.2. Blocks12.1.2.3. Blocks Raised12.1.2.4. Blocks with Perspective12.2. Showing Structure and Flow12.2.1. Creating Block Diagrams12.2.2. Modifying Block Diagrams12.2.2.1. Modifying Block Diagram Shapes12.2.2.2. Using Special Editing Techniques for Boxes12.2.2.3. Modifying the Appearance of Block Diagram Arrows12.2.2.4. Emphasizing Flow Between Shapes12.2.3. Creating Hierarchical Trees12.2.4. Modifying Tree Shapes12.3. Adding Impact with 3-D Block Diagrams12.3.1. Modifying Perspective12.3.2. Using Multiple Vanishing Points12.4. Working with Onion Diagrams12.4.1. Creating Onion Diagrams12.4.2. Modifying Onion Diagram Shapes12.4.2.1. Adjusting the Dimensions of Onion Rings12.4.2.2. Dividing a Concentric Layer into Sections12.5. Summary
13. Constructing Charts and Graphs
13.1. Exploring the Chart and Graph Templates13.1.1. Choosing the Right Template13.1.2. Exploring Visio Chart and Graph Shapes13.1.2.1. Charting Shapes13.1.2.2. Marketing Shapes13.1.2.3. Marketing Charts and Diagrams13.2. Constructing Basic Charts and Graphs13.2.1. Constructing Bar Graphs13.2.1.1. Creating 2-D Bar Graphs13.2.1.2. Creating 3-D Bar Graphs13.2.2. Constructing Line Graphs13.2.3. Labeling Axes13.2.4. Working with Pie Charts13.3. Creating Feature Comparison Charts13.4. Working with Marketing Diagrams13.4.1. Building Circle-spoke Drawings13.4.2. Constructing Triangles and Pyramids13.5. Adding Text to Charts and Graphs13.6. Using Stackable and Extendable Shapes13.7. Summary
14. Working with Organization Charts
14.1. Exploring the Organization Chart Template14.1.1. Exploring the Organization Chart Environment14.1.2. Exploring the Visio Organization Chart Shapes14.2. Creating Organization Charts Manually14.3. Creating Organization Charts Using the Organization Chart Wizard14.3.1. Launching the Organization Chart Wizard14.3.2. Building a File for Organization Data Using the Organization Chart Wizard14.3.3. Building an Organization Chart from Existing Data14.3.4. Finalizing the Organization Chart14.4. Laying Out the Organization14.4.1. Controlling the Layout of Subordinate Shapes14.4.2. Moving Organization Chart Shapes14.5. Formatting Organization Chart Appearance14.5.1. Setting Options to Customize Shape Appearance14.5.1.1. Specifying the Information to Display in Shapes14.5.1.2. Setting Options to Customize the Appearance of Text14.5.2. Improving Chart Readability14.5.2.1. Modify Shape Spacing14.5.2.2. Hiding Subordinate Shapes14.6. Editing and Deleting Organization Chart Shapes14.6.1. Editing Shape Text and Data14.6.2. Changing the Type of Organization Chart Shape14.6.3. Deleting Organization Chart Shapes14.7. Spreading an Organization Over Multiple Pages14.7.1. Comparing Versions of Organization Charts14.8. Sharing Organization Chart Data14.8.1. Reporting Organization Data14.8.2. Exporting Organization Chart Data for Use in Other Programs14.9. Summary
15. Building Visio Flowcharts
15.1. Choosing the Right Template15.2. Adding and Connecting Flowchart Shapes15.2.1. Adding Flowchart Shapes in a Sequence15.2.2. Connecting Shapes Out of Sequence15.2.3. Changing the Layout and Flow15.3. Increasing the Impact of Flowcharts15.4. Creating Multi-Page Flowcharts15.4.1. Navigating to Other Pages15.4.2. Adding References to Other Steps on the Same Page15.5. Summary
16. Documenting Processes, Workflows, and Data Flows
16.1. Showing Departmental Interaction with Cross-Functional Flowcharts16.1.1. Setting Up Cross-Functional Flowcharts16.1.2. Documenting Processes in Cross-Functional Flowcharts16.1.3. Working with Functional Bands16.1.4. Identifying Process Phases16.2. Following the Flow of Data16.2.1. Adding Data Flow Shapes16.2.2. Showing Flow Between Shapes16.2.3. Showing a Data Loop16.3. Analyzing and Documenting Workflow16.4. Identifying Causes and Effects16.5. Value Stream Mapping16.6. An Overview of Other Business Process Templates16.6.1. ITIL16.6.2. TQM Diagrams16.6.3. Audit Diagrams16.6.4. Fault Tree Analysis Diagrams16.6.5. IDEF0 Diagrams16.6.6. Creating SDL Flowcharts16.6.7. Event Process Chain (EPC) Diagrams16.7. Summary
17. Scheduling Projects with Visio
17.1. Exploring the Project Scheduling Templates17.2. Constructing Calendars17.2.1. Date Formats and Language17.2.2. Creating Daily Calendars17.2.3. Creating Weekly Calendars17.2.4. Creating Monthly Calendars17.2.5. Creating Yearly Calendars17.2.6. Modifying and Formatting Calendars17.2.7. Adding Appointments and Events to Calendars17.2.8. Importing Outlook Calendar Data into Visio17.3. Documenting Project Timelines17.3.1. Creating Timelines17.3.1.1. Showing Intervals on a Timeline17.3.1.2. Highlighting Milestones17.3.2. Expanding Timelines to Show Detail17.3.3. Synchronizing Milestones and Intervals17.3.4. Modifying Timelines17.3.5. Importing and Exporting Timeline Data17.3.5.1. Importing Microsoft Project Data into a Timeline17.3.5.2. Exporting Visio Timelines to Microsoft Project17.4. Scheduling Projects Using Gantt Charts17.4.1. Creating Gantt Charts17.4.1.1. Navigating in Gantt Charts17.4.1.2. Adding Milestones17.4.1.3. Organizing Tasks17.4.1.4. Linking Tasks17.4.1.5. Annotating Gantt Charts17.4.2. Modifying the Content in Gantt Charts17.4.3. Formatting Gantt Charts17.4.4. Importing and Exporting Gantt Chart Data17.4.4.1. Importing Project Data into Visio Gantt Charts17.4.4.2. Entering Gantt Chart Data via an Excel or Text File17.4.4.3. Exporting Visio Gantt Charts to Microsoft Project17.5. Building PERT Charts17.5.1. Creating PERT Charts17.6. Summary
18. Documenting Brainstorming Sessions
18.1. Exploring the Brainstorming Template18.1.1. Accessing Visio Brainstorming Tools18.1.2. Exploring the Visio Brainstorming Shapes18.2. Creating Brainstorming Diagrams18.2.1. Adding and Connecting Topics18.2.1.1. Adding Main Topics18.2.1.2. Adding Subtopics18.2.1.3. Adding Topics at the Same Level18.2.1.4. Adding Multiple Topics at Once18.2.2. Building a Brainstorming Diagram from an Outline18.2.3. Connecting Topics Manually18.3. Exporting and Importing Brainstorming Ideas18.3.1. Exporting Brainstorming Topics18.3.2. Importing Brainstorming Topics18.4. Cleaning Up Brainstorming Diagrams18.4.1. Moving and Reordering Topics18.4.2. Changing the Layout Style18.4.3. Choosing Brainstorming Styles to Change Topic Shapes18.4.4. Resizing the Page to Fit the Diagram18.5. Working with Legends18.5.1. Adding Symbols to Topics18.6. Summary
19. Analyzing Results with PivotDiagrams
19.1. An Introduction to Visio PivotDiagrams19.2. Creating Pivot Diagrams19.2.1. Creating a New Pivot Diagram19.2.2. Creating a Pivot Diagram in Another Type of Visio Drawing19.2.3. Creating Multiple Copies for Different Viewpoints19.3. Categorizing and Totaling Results19.3.1. Categorizing Data19.3.2. Totaling or Summarizing Data19.3.3. Combining Categories19.4. Formatting Pivot Diagrams19.5. Summary
IV. Using Visio in Information Technology
20. Modeling and Documenting Databases
20.1. Exploring the Database Model Templates20.1.1. Exploring Database Model Shapes20.1.2. Keeping Visio Database Shapes Up-to-Date20.2. Creating Database Models20.2.1. Reverse Engineering Existing Databases20.2.1.1. Setting Up Data Sources20.2.1.2. Using the Reverse Engineer Wizard20.2.2. Updating Reverse-Engineered Database Models20.2.3. Building Database Models from Scratch20.3. Working with Database Models20.3.1. Working in the Database Windows20.3.2. Working with Tables and Columns20.3.2.1. Adding Tables to a Model20.3.2.2. Adding Columns to Tables20.3.2.3. Reordering Columns20.3.2.4. Removing Tables20.3.2.5. Reusing Table Attributes by Categorizing Tables20.3.3. Creating Additional Data Types20.3.4. Defining Database Views20.3.5. Creating Relationships Between Tables20.3.6. Creating and Editing Indexes20.3.7. Editing Database Code20.4. Setting Database Options and Preferences20.4.1. Setting Modeling Preferences20.4.2. Specifying Notation and Other Display Options20.5. Creating Express-G and ORM Diagrams20.5.1. Using Express-G to Create Entity-Level and Schema-Level Diagrams20.5.2. Creating Object Role Model Diagrams20.6. Summary
21. Building UML Models
21.1. Learning More About UML21.2. Exploring the UML Model Diagram Template21.2.1. Choosing the Right UML Diagram21.2.2. Exploring the UML Menu21.2.3. Updating UML Shapes21.3. Working with UML Models21.3.1. Working with the Model Explorer21.3.2. Using the UML Model Windows21.3.3. Organizing Models with Packages21.3.4. Specifying UML Options21.3.5. Working with Shapes and Model Elements21.3.5.1. Adding and Removing Elements in a Model21.3.5.2. Displaying Information in UML Shapes21.3.5.3. Specifying Element Properties21.4. Creating UML Models21.4.1. Working with Static Structure Diagrams (UML 2 Class Diagrams)21.4.1.1. Creating Static Structure Diagrams21.4.1.2. Troubleshooting UML Relationships21.4.2. Creating Use Case Diagrams21.4.3. Creating Activity Diagrams21.4.4. Creating State Machine Diagrams21.4.5. Creating Sequence Diagrams21.4.6. Creating Collaboration Diagrams21.4.7. Creating Component Diagrams21.4.8. Creating Deployment Diagrams21.5. Reverse-Engineering Code into UML Models21.5.1. Reverse-Engineering Visual C++ Code21.5.2. Reverse-Engineering Visual Basic Code21.6. Summary
22. Building Software Development Diagrams
22.1. Choosing the Right Software Template22.2. Constructing COM and OLE Diagrams22.2.1. Understanding the Elements of COM22.2.2. Working with Visio COM and OLE Diagrams22.3. Working with Data Flow Model Diagrams22.4. Creating Software Diagrams with Jackson Notation22.5. Modeling Large-Scale Application Architectures22.6. Creating Program Structure Diagrams22.7. Modeling Real-Time Systems with ROOM Diagrams22.8. Prototyping User Interfaces22.8.1. Exploring the Windows XP User Interface Template22.8.2. Creating an Application Window22.8.3. Prototyping Wizards22.8.3.1. Creating Wizards with One to Three Pages22.8.3.2. Creating Wizards with More Than Three Pages22.8.3.3. Simulating Wizard Navigation22.8.4. Building Menus and Toolbars22.8.4.1. Creating Menu Bars22.8.4.2. Creating Drop-Down Menus22.8.4.3. Building Toolbars22.8.5. Designing Dialog Boxes22.9. Summary
23. Mapping Web Sites
23.1. Planning Web Sites23.1.1. The Conceptual Web Site Template23.1.2. Creating Conceptual Web Diagrams23.2. Working with Web Site Maps23.2.1. The Web Site Map Template23.2.2. Generating Maps of Existing Web Sites23.2.3. Generating a Web Site Map23.2.4. Mapping Protected Areas on Web Sites23.2.5. Viewing Elements on Web Site Map Diagrams23.3. Working with the Web Site Map Model23.4. Configuring What Visio Adds to the Web Site Map Model and Diagram23.5. Formatting Web Site Maps23.5.1.23.5.1.1. Displaying Links to and from a Single Shape23.5.1.2. Displaying Site Maps Across Multiple Pages23.6. Identifying Web Site Problems23.6.1.23.6.1.1. Finding Broken Links23.6.1.2. Running Web Site Map Reports23.7. Summary
24. Creating Network Diagrams
24.1. Exploring Network Templates24.1.1. What's New in the Network Templates?24.1.1.1. Visio 2003 Network Enhancements24.1.1.2. Visio 2007 Network Enhancements24.1.2. What's Missing?24.1.3. Choosing the Right Template24.2. Creating Logical and Physical Network Diagrams24.2.1. Setting Up Network Diagrams24.2.2. Adding Nodes and Network Topology24.2.3. Creating Drill-Down Diagrams24.3. Documenting Directory Services24.4. Laying Out Equipment Racks24.5. Enhancing Network Diagrams24.5.1. Formatting and Annotating Network Diagrams24.5.2. Storing and Reporting Network Information24.6. Summary
V. Using Visio for Architecture and Engineering
25. Working with Scaled Drawings
25.1. Exploring Scaled Drawing Templates25.1.1. Choosing the Right Scaled Drawing Template25.1.2. Working with U.S. and Metric Templates25.2. Setting Drawing Scale and Units25.2.1. Scaling Shapes Up or Down25.2.1.1. Setting Drawing Scale25.2.1.2. Showing Scale on Drawings25.2.2. Specifying the Units Used to Dimension Shapes25.2.2.1. Setting Default Units25.2.2.2. Specifying Measurement Units for a Page25.3. Dimensioning Scaled Drawings25.3.1. Adding Dimensions25.3.1.1. Dimensioning Linear Distances25.3.1.2. Dimensioning Radii25.3.1.3. Dimensioning Angles25.3.2. Specifying Precision and Units for Dimensions25.3.3. Calculating Area and Perimeter25.4. Summary
26. Creating and Managing Scaled Drawings
26.1. Creating Scaled Drawings26.1.1. Creating New Scaled Drawings26.1.2. Referencing Existing CAD Floor Plans26.1.3. Starting from an Existing Visio Scaled Drawing26.2. Managing Drawing Content with Layers26.2.1. Creating Layers26.2.2. Renaming Layers26.2.3. Activating Layers26.2.4. Removing Layers26.2.5. Controlling Shape Behavior with Layers26.2.5.1. Assigning Color to a Layer26.2.5.2. Selecting Shapes Using Layers26.2.6. Assigning Shapes to Layers26.2.6.1. Assigning Selected Shapes to Layers26.2.6.2. Assigning Masters to Layers26.2.6.3. Assigning Groups to Layers26.3. Summary
27. Laying Out Architectural and Engineering Plans
27.1. Working with Walls27.1.1. Converting Spaces into Walls27.1.2. Creating Walls27.1.3. Connecting and Resizing Walls27.1.4. Modifying Wall Properties and Appearance27.1.4.1. Changing Wall Thickness and Other Properties27.1.4.2. Changing the Way Walls Appear27.2. Adding Doors, Windows, and Other Openings27.2.1. Adding Openings to Walls27.2.2. Modifying Doors, Windows, and Openings27.3. Adding Cubicles and Furniture27.3.1. Laying Out Office Cubicles27.3.2. Connecting Modular Furniture27.3.3. Modifying Cubicles27.4. Creating Building Services Plans27.4.1. Adding HVAC Services27.4.1.1. Drawing HVAC Plans27.4.1.2. Documenting HVAC Control Logic27.4.1.3. Creating Reflected Ceiling Plans27.4.2. Adding Electrical and Telecom Services27.4.3. Adding Plumbing27.4.4. Adding Security and Access Systems27.5. Creating Site and Landscaping Plans27.5.1. Adding Landscaping Elements27.5.2. Working with Roads and Parking Lots27.5.2.1. Creating Roads and Parking Lots27.5.2.2. Modifying Parking and Road Shapes27.6. Drawing Directional Maps27.6.1. Creating Road and Metro Maps27.6.2. Modifying Roads and Intersections27.6.3. Annotating Maps27.6.4. Using 3-D Map Shapes27.7. Summary
28. Planning Space and Managing Facilities
28.1. Understanding Space Planning and Facilities Management Using Visio28.1.1. Visio Space Planning Tools28.1.2. Managing Facilities with Visio Features28.2. Exploring the Space Plan Template28.2.1. Menus and Stencils28.2.2. Using the Space and Category Explorers28.3. Creating Space Plans28.3.1. Using the Space Plan Startup Wizard28.3.1.1. Creating Space Plans Using the Wizard28.3.2. Using Shapes to Create Space Plans28.3.2.1. Manually Creating Spaces28.3.2.2. Modifying Boundary and Space Outlines28.4. Assigning Resources to Space Plans28.4.1. Adding Resources to Space Plans28.4.2. Placing Unassigned Resources28.4.3. Assigning Categories to Resources28.5. Using Visio Space Plans to Manage Facilities28.5.1. Preparing Your Space Plan Data for Use in Visio28.5.2. Using the Import Data Wizard28.5.2.1. Tell the Wizard Where to Store the Imported Data28.5.2.2. Identify the Data Source28.5.2.3. Specify the Data to Import28.5.2.4. Configure the Shapes with Imported Data28.5.2.5. Refreshing Space Plan Data28.5.3. Labeling Facilities Shapes28.5.4. Color-Coding Space Plans28.6. Finding and Moving Resources28.6.1. Generating Facilities Reports28.7. Summary
29. Integrating CAD and Visio
29.1. Understanding CAD and Visio Integration29.2. Displaying CAD Drawings in Visio29.2.1. Reviewing CAD Drawings in Visio29.2.2. Inserting CAD Drawings into Visio29.2.3. Displaying CAD Layers in Visio29.3. Modifying Inserted CAD Drawings29.3.1. Modifying Units and Scale29.3.1.1. Coordinating CAD Units with Visio Measurement Units29.3.1.2. Modifying Drawing Scales29.3.2. Protecting Inserted CAD Drawings29.3.3. Positioning and Resizing Inserted CAD Drawings29.4. Editing CAD Drawings in Visio29.4.1. The Disadvantages of CAD Conversion29.4.2. Converting CAD Drawings to Visio Format29.4.3. Converting Multiple CAD Drawings29.4.4. Creating Stencils from CAD Libraries29.5. Converting Visio Drawings to CAD Format29.6. Summary
30. Working with Engineering Drawings
30.1. Exploring the Visio Engineering Templates30.2. Using Basic Visio Techniques in Engineering Drawings30.3. Working with Mechanical Engineering Drawings30.3.1. Drawing Parts and Assemblies30.3.1.1. Using Geometric Shortcuts30.3.1.2. Creating Springs, Bearings, and Fasteners30.3.1.3. Creating Welding Symbols30.3.1.4. Annotating Dimensions and Tolerances30.3.2. Constructing Fluid Power Diagrams30.4. Working with Electrical Engineering Drawings30.5. Building Process Engineering Models30.5.1. Viewing Process Engineering Diagrams in Different Ways30.5.2. Creating P&ID and PFD Drawings30.5.3. Building Pipelines30.5.3.1. Specifying How Pipeline Shapes Behave30.5.3.2. Adding Components to Pipelines30.5.3.3. Continuing Pipelines on Other Pages30.6. Working with Components30.6.1. Associating Shapes with Components30.6.2. Working with Component Data30.6.2.1. Displaying Component Data30.6.3. Tagging and Numbering Components30.6.3.1. Applying Tag Formats to Shapes30.6.3.2. Defining Tag Formats30.6.3.3. Renumbering Components30.6.4. Generating Component Lists and Bills of Material30.6.5. Converting Shapes and Symbols into Components30.7. Summary
VI. Customizing Stencils, Templates, and Shapes
31. Creating and Customizing Templates
31.1. Reasons to Customize Templates31.2. Customizing Templates31.2.1. Creating and Saving Customized Templates31.2.2. Setting Up a File for Use as a Template31.3. Accessing Customized Templates31.4. Summary
32. Creating and Customizing Stencils
32.1. Creating and Saving Stencils32.1.1. Creating a Stencil from an Existing Stencil32.1.2. Creating Stencils from Shape Search Results32.1.3. Creating Stencils from Scratch32.1.4. Creating a Custom Stencil from a Document Stencil32.1.5. Quickly Storing Your Favorite Shapes32.1.6. Saving Stencils32.2. Adding Shapes to Stencils32.2.1. Adding Shapes from Drawing Pages32.2.2. Adding Shapes from Other Stencils32.3. Modifying Stencil Appearance32.3.1. Displaying Master Information32.3.2. Changing Spacing and Color Settings32.3.3. Rearranging Shapes in Stencils32.4. Summary
33. Creating and Customizing Shapes
33.1. Understanding Shapes and Shape Data33.1.1. What Makes Shapes Smart?33.1.2. Understanding Shapes and Masters33.1.3. Understanding Shape Geometry33.1.3.1. Exploring Shape Components33.1.3.2. Understanding 1-D and 2-D Behavior33.2. Creating and Editing Masters33.2.1. Creating Masters33.2.1.1. Opening a Stencil for Editing33.2.1.2. Copying Existing Masters to Create New Ones33.2.1.3. Saving Existing Shapes as Masters33.2.1.4. Creating Masters from Database Information33.2.1.5. Drawing Masters from Scratch33.2.2. Editing Masters33.2.2.1. Editing Master Graphics33.2.2.2. Modifying Master Properties33.2.2.3. Modifying Master Icons33.2.2.4. Creating Shortcuts to Masters33.3. Drawing Shapes and Masters33.3.1. Drawing Line Segments and Paths33.3.2. Creating Closed Shapes33.3.3. Drawing Graphics Precisely33.3.4. Creating and Editing Shapes with the Pencil Tool33.4. Transforming Shapes into New Ones33.4.1. Assembling and Disassembling 2-D Shapes33.4.1.1. Creating a Union from Shapes33.4.1.2. Combining Shapes33.4.1.3. Breaking Shapes into Smaller Pieces33.4.1.4. Removing Areas That Don't Overlap33.4.1.5. Creating Cutouts33.4.2. Manipulating Lines33.4.2.1. Joining Lines into Paths33.4.2.2. Breaking Shapes into Lines and Arcs33.4.2.3. Creating Parallel Lines and Curves33.4.2.4. Reversing Line Ends33.4.2.5. Creating Curves from Lines33.5. Controlling Glue with Connection Points33.5.1. Adding, Moving, and Deleting Connection Points33.5.2. Working with Types of Connection Points33.5.2.1. Understanding Types of Connection Points33.5.2.2. Changing the Type of Connection Point33.6. Customizing Shape Behavior33.6.1. Specifying What Happens When You Double-Click a Shape33.6.2. Specifying Placement Behavior33.6.3. Modifying Other Shape Behaviors33.6.3.1. Preventing Shapes from Printing33.6.3.2. Switching Between 1-D and 2-D Behavior33.6.3.3. Showing That a Shape Is Selected33.6.3.4. Controlling the Splitting of Connectors33.6.3.5. Controlling Group-Related Behaviors33.6.4. Adding Screen Tips to Shapes33.7. Customizing Shape Data33.7.1. Creating and Editing Shape Data33.7.2. Using Shape Sets33.7.2.1. Creating Shape Sets33.7.2.2. Editing Shape Sets33.7.2.3. Applying Shape Sets to Shapes and Masters33.8. Summary
34. Customizing Shapes Using ShapeSheets
34.1. Viewing ShapeSheets34.1.1. Opening ShapeSheets34.1.2. Viewing and Adding ShapeSheet Sections34.1.3. Printing ShapeSheets34.2. Exploring ShapeSheet Sections34.3. Writing ShapeSheet Formulas34.3.1. Exploring the Elements of Formulas34.3.2. Creating Formulas34.4. Summary
35. Formatting with Styles
35.1. Understanding Styles35.2. Creating and Editing Styles35.2.1. Creating Styles35.2.1.1. Creating Styles Based on Shape Formatting35.2.1.2. Creating Styles from Scratch35.2.2. Editing Styles35.3. Creating Fill, Line, and Line End Patterns35.3.1. Designing Pattern Shapes35.3.2. How Pattern Shapes Behave in Line Patterns35.3.3. How Pattern Shapes Perform as Line Ends35.3.4. Designing Fill Patterns35.3.4.1. Fill Patterns for Scaled Drawings35.3.4.2. Transparent Versus Solid Backgrounds35.4. Creating New Custom Patterns35.4.1. Creating a New Pattern35.4.2. Sizing Line Ends35.5. Summary
36. Customizing Toolbars and Menus
36.1. Customizing Toolbars and Menus36.1.1. Customizing Toolbars36.1.2. Customizing Menus36.1.3. Creating Toolbars and Menus36.2. Modifying Toolbars and Menus36.2.1. Renaming Toolbars and Menus36.2.2. Deleting Toolbars and Menus36.2.3. Grouping Commands and Menus36.2.4. Changing the Width of a Drop-Down List36.2.5. Modifying the Appearance of an Entry36.2.6. Modifying Button Images36.3. Creating Keyboard Shortcuts36.4. Sharing Customized Toolbars and Menus36.5. Summary
37. Automating Visio
37.1. Working with Macros37.2. Writing Add-Ins to Automate Visio37.3. Using the Visio Drawing Control37.4. Learning More About Automating Visio37.5. Summary
VII. Quick Reference
38. Installing Visio 2007
38.1. Exploring Visio Installation Methods38.1.1. Using a Local Installation Source38.1.2. Deploying with an Administrative Installation Point38.1.3. Using a Compressed CD Image38.2. Installing Visio on Your Computer38.2.1. Installing When a Previous Version Is Present38.2.2. Customizing Your Installation38.3. Activating a New Visio Installation38.4. Maintaining and Repairing Visio38.4.1. Adding and Removing Components38.4.2. Repairing Your Visio Installation38.5. Summary
39. Visio Help Resources
39.1. Finding Microsoft Visio Help39.1.1. Viewing Visio Help Topics39.1.2. Telling Visio Where to Go for Help39.2. Microsoft Office Online39.3. Visio Blogs39.4. Summary
40. Additional Resources for Templates and Stencils
40.1. Exploring the Visio Extras Stencils40.2. Starting with Sample Diagrams40.3. Downloading Templates from Microsoft Office Online40.4. Finding Third-Party Visio Templates and Stencils40.5. Summary
41. Keyboard Shortcuts
41.1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts41.2. Handy Keyboard Shortcuts41.2.1. File Shortcuts41.2.2. Action Shortcuts41.2.3. Zoom Shortcuts41.2.4. Window and Viewing Shortcuts41.2.5. Editing and Formatting Shortcuts41.2.6. Shape Shortcuts41.2.7. Edit Box Shortcuts41.3. Summary
42. Template and Stencil Reference
42.1. Templates for Office Productivity42.2. Templates for Information Technology42.3. Templates for Architecture and Engineering42.4. Visio Extras Stencils42.5. Summary

Content preview from Visio® 2007 Bible

Chapter 37. Automating Visio

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using macros to automate procedures
Writing add-ins to automate Visio
Using the Visio Drawing control
More resources for automating Visio

Visio is more than software for creating diagrams by dragging shapes onto a drawing page. Almost the entire Visio user interface and object model is open to interrogation and modification. You can write code to create or update Visio drawings based on information stored in a database; update a database as changes are made to a Visio drawing; or manipulate the shapes on a page. In every corner of capabilities of Visio, you can extend or utilize those features through automation.

If you're not a programmer, you might think that any kind of Visio automation is beyond your reach, but you would be wrong. Even if you use Visio only for creating simple diagrams, the Visio macro recorder is a time-saving tool that saves the steps you perform so you can easily repeat them in the future. You can save the macro as is or modify it using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to make it more flexible.

If you are a programmer, or can at least find your way around a programming language such as Visual Basic, you can write code to develop more sophisticated automated solutions. Visio documents, windows, drawing pages, shapes, and ShapeSheet cells are all accessible through code. Extending capabilities of Visio is achieved with the help of Component Object Model (COM) add-ins, similar to the add-ons that are packaged with Visio, ...

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Visio® 2007 Bible

by Bonnie Biafore

Chapter 37. Automating Visio

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