Access other stencils from flowchart document

[Paul]

I just started using Visio 2003 on Windows 2000 professional. I
created a new document based on a flowchart template. However, I
don't want to be restricted to using only the shapes in that
template. I want to access shapes in the stencils for other
templates. I haven't found how to do this in the help, nor from
Google. Thanks for any help.

 

[Paul Herber]

I just started using Visio 2003 on Windows 2000 professional. I
created a new document based on a flowchart template. However, I
don't want to be restricted to using only the shapes in that
template. I want to access shapes in the stencils for other
templates. I haven't found how to do this in the help, nor from
Google. Thanks for any help.

menu File -> Shapes
take your pick.

 

[Paul]

menu File -> Shapes
take your pick.

Thanks, Paul. Actually, I found that out from the help facility (had
to specify "open stencil" instead of "access stencil") but I couldn't
cancel my post because it hadn't yet appeared in Goolge Groups.

Now I am overwhelmed by the barrage of stencils available.

Is there a way to quickly browse them all without opening them all? I
am picturing something like the Windows file explorer, with files
showing up as thumbnails.

 

[Paul]

Thanks, Paul. Actually, I found that out from the help facility (had
to specify "open stencil" instead of "access stencil") but I couldn't
cancel my post because it hadn't yet appeared in Goolge Groups.

Now I am overwhelmed by the barrage of stencils available.

Is there a way to quickly browse them all without opening them all? I
am picturing something like the Windows file explorer, with files
showing up as thumbnails.

Just to clarify, I mean that the /shapes/ in each stencil show up like
file explorer thumbnails as you click on different stencils. I'm
hoping there is a way to quickly look through the stencils for a
suitable shape without having to open them all. As well, I would like
a large viewing area showing all the stencil's shapes so that they can
be appraised in one glance. Currently, the closest effect is for one
to undock the Shapes window. (Still need to open all stencils of
potential interest to actually see if they are what you want). Also,
the undocked Shapes window stays on top, and has a tendency to stick
to the edges of the Visio window.

Thanks.

 

[Paul Herber]

Just to clarify, I mean that the /shapes/ in each stencil show up like
file explorer thumbnails as you click on different stencils. I'm
hoping there is a way to quickly look through the stencils for a
suitable shape without having to open them all. As well, I would like
a large viewing area showing all the stencil's shapes so that they can
be appraised in one glance. Currently, the closest effect is for one
to undock the Shapes window. (Still need to open all stencils of
potential interest to actually see if they are what you want). Also,
the undocked Shapes window stays on top, and has a tendency to stick
to the edges of the Visio window.

Not wishing to blow my own trumpet(1) too much ...
http://www.visio-utilities.sandrila.co.uk/
The stencil display is one of the free features.
Microsoft used to include an addon to do this but it got dropped with
Visio 2002 I think.

(1) well, clarinet, actually.

 

[Paul]

Not wishing to blow my own trumpet(1) too much ...http://www.visio-utilities.sandrila.co.uk/
The stencil display is one of the free features.
Microsoft used to include an addon to do this but it got dropped with
Visio 2002 I think.

(1) well, clarinet, actually.

That's very cool. It's too bad that such a feature is no longer part
of Visio though. Circumstances are that installing things is
"problematic". But thanks for the toot (of the clarinet, that is).