Shape categories and search in MS Visio

Working with Shapes in MS Visio can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. If you want to develop a better understanding of the different Shape Categories as well as the effective Search for specific Shapes, you've come to the right place. This guide will take you through the various available categories, show you how to efficiently select Shapes, and provide you with useful tips for using the search feature.

Key Takeaways

• You can find Shapes in various Categories that are not only preexistent.
• The search feature enables you to quickly find specific Shapes.
• You have the option to save commonly used Shapes as favorites and customize the menu bar to fit your needs.

Customizing the MS Visio Interface

To optimize your work with MS Visio, it's important to organize your workspace. Initially, you can toggle the menu bar for Shapes on or off. This bar is located on the left side, and you have the freedom to position it elsewhere.

You can simply drag the menu bar to the right to create more space on your drawing area. If you want to move the menu bar back to the left side, simply drag it back there.

Here you have an overview of the different Shape Categories, such as Standard Shapes, Flowcharts, Mathematical Shapes, and Special Diagram Forms. It's important to familiarize yourself with these categories so you can quickly access the Shapes you need.

Using the Search Function

A key aspect of MS Visio is the search function. If you can't find a specific Shape right away, you can use the built-in search bar.

Simply enter the name of the desired Shape, for example, "Cross". After confirming with the Enter key, a search will be immediately carried out, going through all available Shapes and templates.

The search results will then be displayed, and you can easily drag your desired Shape into the workspace. You will be shown directly how many different variations of this Shape are available.

This function makes it easy for you to work efficiently since you don't have to navigate through constant menus to find the desired Shape.

Using Favorites

Another helpful aspect of MS Visio is the ability to save Shapes as favorites. This allows you to find commonly used Shapes more quickly.

Click on the icon to configure your favorites. If you have a Shape in the workspace, you can simply drag it to your favorites area. Note that a confirmation prompt may appear since the template is read-only.

Once you have configured the favorites, you will have quick access to the Shapes you use frequently. This saves time, especially when you regularly use the same elements.

Customizing Shape Categories

You can also adjust the order of your favorites and categories. For instance, if you want to move the "Arrow Shapes" category up? That's quite simple.

With a right-click, you can move the categories up or down. This way, you can customize the view according to your preferences and workflows.

Moreover, MS Visio offers the option to configure the view by displaying either just icons or additional information.

This flexibility allows you to set up your workspace to match your individual work style.

Summary

Understanding the Shape Categories and search functions in MS Visio is crucial to working productively and organized. You can customize your user interface to your liking, use the search function to quickly access the desired Shapes, and configure your favorites without much effort. By following these tips, your workflow will be significantly improved.