How to Work With Diagrams in Microsoft Visio

Using Visio, there are several ways to work with diagrams. You can create a diagram using the Shapes and templates tools, or you can connect the diagram to Excel, or use Lucidchart.

Data tab

Using the data tab, you can link your database data to shapes in your Visio drawing. You can also add vertical and horizontal legends. These legends provide information about styles and colors. You can also add network locations.

The Quick Access Toolbar contains commonly used commands. Touch mode is also available. Touch mode lets you adjust the spacing between the Ribbon buttons.

The ribbon includes drop-down lists grouped by tabs. The Insert tab contains commands for inserting parts of a diagram, illustrations and text. You can also change the drawing layout and add labels.

View tab

Adding Visio Tabs is easy and can be done with just a click. Using Microsoft Visio Tabs allows users to share information and resources with team members. Whether you need to create a flowchart, organization chart, or brainstorming diagram, Visio is a great tool. It also makes the revision process easier.

Microsoft Visio includes visual aids like grids, rulers, and guides. These help align elements and structure your drawing. These features can be turned on or off in the View tab. You can adjust grid spacing, change the size of the drawing, or switch on or off rulers.

Save and Save As pages

Using the Visio Save and Save As pages, users can save their files in a number of different formats. The Save As page allows users to name the file, and select the location for the file. The Save As page also lets users choose which file type to save the file as.

The Save As page is also used to save Visio files that have been edited. The Save As page also contains other options, such as reducing the file size or checking compatibility with earlier versions of Visio. The Save As page also allows users to save Visio files to a network location.

Shapes and templates

Whether you’re using Visio or another diagramming application, you may have seen a shape or template that you would like to duplicate. Visio has thousands of shapes and templates to choose from.

For instance, there’s a 3D circuit board shape. This is a new feature in Visio Online Plan 2. Previously, this feature was only available in the Electronics stencil for Visio shapes. It’s also available in other stencils for more specialized flowchart shapes.

The most important thing about the shapes and templates in Visio is that they provide an unparalleled look and technical accuracy. You can also customize them by fill colors, line weight, and text. In fact, you can even color shapes based on your data.

Connecting a diagram to Excel

Using Excel as a data source is a great feature for those developing Visio diagrams. It allows you to spend more time visualising your data and less time coding it into the software.

The Visio data visualization feature allows you to automatically generate a diagram from an Excel spreadsheet. The simplest way to do this is by using the Visio Data Visualizer Add-in for Excel. This tool can be accessed through the ribbon’s add-ins category.

The add-in also gives you the option of creating eight different types of diagrams. You can create basic flow charts, organizational charts, network diagrams, and Venn diagrams.

Lucidchart

Whether you’re using Visio to make your own business diagrams or to share your charts with colleagues, Lucidchart can be a powerful tool. This web-based application allows you to import, edit and share Visio files. In addition to Visio, Lucidchart integrates with many other popular platforms, including JIRA, Confluence, Github and Slack. It also offers advanced security features and an infinite canvas.

Lucidchart was developed as a collaborative tool that allows users to share and create diagrams in real time. In addition, Lucidchart has a clean user interface that allows newcomers to quickly get acquainted with the product.

SmartDraw

Creating diagrams in SmartDraw is easier than in Visio. However, it still has limitations. For example, you can’t export your diagram to Visio format.

SmartDraw also supports multiple devices, making it easier to create visuals on the go. You can share files with other people, and you can save your drawings to Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business, or other online storage services. You can also add libraries and extensions, allowing you to create your own applications.

SmartDraw also has a very strong automatic formatting engine. When you add new objects, it will automatically adjust the layout and the symbols. It also has thousands of templates and symbols. It’s especially helpful for creating technical diagrams.