In a recent post we discussed some of the techniques for using 1D shapes. We received an excellent question from a visitor who asked:
“I’ve played with the techniques mentioned. However, I can’t seem to find the way to insert an image onto the line as suggested in the article. Can you please elaborate?”
Sure. To illustrate the point, I’m going to describe a simple manual method for inserting an image into a 1D shape to insert into an IT equipment rack. You can use the same technique for …Continue reading
To get the most value from Visio it’s important to understand how Visio shapes can be much more than clipart when properly designed. The shapes can be programmed through their ShapeSheets to behave in ways that will automate and facilitate the drawing process. One of the most powerful behaviors is the ability to link to external information via the Web through specially designed Hyperlinks. In other words, we can give you the ability to simply click on the shape and gain access to a wealth of additional information.
…Continue reading
Tripp Lite isometric
In our last post I discussed 1D Visio shapes and their powerful connection features that ease the task of creating drawings of objects assembled into systems. In this article I’ll describe a variation of 2D Visio shapes that are drawn to look like 3D views.
Visio includes in the box several stencils with objects drawn in an isometric style. Wikipedia has an excellent overview of the isometric projection technique if you are interested. The appeal of isometric is that it’s much easier to draw than perspective since distance …Continue reading
A 1D line with and without height
Visio shapes can be either 1D (one dimensional) or 2D (two dimensional). Unfortunately, there is no 3D shape although you can produce a “3D-like” 2D drawing by using the same methods as you would on paper… isometric, axonometric, perspective, etc. Most Visio drawings that simulate 3D are drawn as isometrics… but I digress and will cover that in a future post.
When you draw a straight line, Visio treats it as a 1D shape by default. When you draw a …Continue reading
Something we’ve heard often over the years from various clients, customers, and users is, “There’s not much in my drawing… why is the file so big?” Of course, there can be several reasons for this but one of the most common is the concept of “unused master shapes.” Huh? I’m glad you asked.
The icons on a Visio stencil represent what’s formally known as Master Shapes. For example, when you drag a shape representing a server …Continue reading