Rotate and mirror shapes in MS Visio

The flexibility of MS Visio becomes tangible when you start experimenting with Shapes and transforming them. Rotating and flipping shapes is not just a visual adjustment; it can also significantly improve the flow of information in your diagrams. Here you will learn how to effectively rotate and flip shapes to make your designs clearer and more appealing.

Key Insights

• Shapes can be rotated and mirrored with targeted mouse clicks.
• Selecting the right corner point is crucial for resizing shapes.
• There are various ways to adjust the size and position of shapes in Visio.

Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the Right Shape

To make the desired adjustments, start by selecting a shape. Go to the standard shapes and choose one, for example, the chevron shape. The chosen shape should now be visible in the workspace, indicated by a selection frame around the shape. This selection can be easily made by clicking on the shape.

Adjusting the Size

To change the size of a shape, it is essential to select the right corner point. You can resize the shape by selecting the left top, right top, right bottom, or left bottom corner points. Avoid choosing a vertical or horizontal point, as this can change the aspect ratio and make the shape look disproportionate.

Additionally, there is a yellow point that you can use to modify the area in the middle of the shape. This option depends on the type of shape: one-dimensional shapes have different adjustment possibilities than two-dimensional ones.

Size Adjustment through the Menu

An alternative method for resizing is accessed through the "View" tab. Navigate to the task panes and look for the "Size & Position" selection. Here, a new window opens where you can adjust the specific values for the width and height of your shape. You have the option to define the measurements in millimeters, for example, from 70 mm to 80 mm. This precise adjustment allows you to design your shapes according to your preferences.

Here you can also set the rotation angle. For example, changing the rotation position from the center of the shape to the bottom left and then rotating by 80 degrees will reflect this according to the new rotation point position.

Rotating Shapes

To rotate a shape, there is a specific rotation point, usually displayed as a circular arrow. With this, you can rotate the shape in the desired direction and directly observe how the angle changes. Holding the Alt key allows you to control the rotation even more precisely. Note that not all shapes offer the same flexibility when rotating.

Managing Active Shapes

If you have multiple shapes in the document, it is important to know which shape is currently active. You can determine this not only by the visible frame but also through the "Navigation" task pane. This way, you can see which shape you are currently editing and make precise adjustments. This clarity helps you manage the formats correctly.

Mirroring Shapes

When mirroring a shape, it is crucial not to do this via page formats, as this does not yield the desired result. Instead, go to the shape's positioning and choose the option to mirror. Here you have the possibility to rotate your shape vertically or horizontally. Your original shape will be mirrored and altered accordingly, opening up numerous new design possibilities for you.

Summary

Working with shapes in MS Visio offers you many creative and practical possibilities. By deliberately rotating and mirroring shapes, you can create professional and appealing diagrams. From resizing to handling shapes correctly, the tools in Visio are diverse and only require a little practice to fully explore all the benefits.