Add border (line) around text block in an Org Chart Shape

[MikeZ]

In visio 2003, the Org Chart shapes have 5 containers for displaying custom
properties (Block 2; Block 3; Block 4; Block 5). I would like to draw a
line, or display a boder, around Block 2 and Block 3.

I openned the Document stencil and tried to edit one of the shapes by
drawing lines on top of the shape. This kinda worked, but when the shapes
moved, the linkes lost their aspect.

Any suggestions?

 

[Paul Herber]

In visio 2003, the Org Chart shapes have 5 containers for displaying custom
properties (Block 2; Block 3; Block 4; Block 5). I would like to draw a
line, or display a boder, around Block 2 and Block 3.

I openned the Document stencil and tried to edit one of the shapes by
drawing lines on top of the shape. This kinda worked, but when the shapes
moved, the linkes lost their aspect.

Not easy as the container is just an area, there is no line defined.
Edit the shape as follows, find the appropriate area in the explorer,
open the shapesheet for that part of the shape.
menu Insert -> Section -> Geometry
menu Insert -> Row After until you have 5 lines (1 Move To and 4 Line
to)
Set the 5 lines to:
Width*0 Height*0
Width*1 Height*0
Width*1 Height*1
Width*0 Height*1
Geometry1.X1 Geometry1.Y1
Now with that same part of the shape selected you can set the line
format.

 

[MikeZ]

How do I find/select the appropriate area in the explorer?

As you stated, the container is just an area, so I can't figure out how to
select that region (Block 2).

Your post is very helpful. . . .Thanks!

 

[John... Visio MVP]

Not easy as the container is just an area, there is no line defined.
Edit the shape as follows, find the appropriate area in the explorer,
open the shapesheet for that part of the shape.
menu Insert -> Section -> Geometry
menu Insert -> Row After until you have 5 lines (1 Move To and 4 Line
to)
Set the 5 lines to:
Width*0 Height*0
Width*1 Height*0
Width*1 Height*1
Width*0 Height*1
Geometry1.X1 Geometry1.Y1
Now with that same part of the shape selected you can set the line
format.

Regards, Paul Herber, Sandrila Ltd.
Electrical for Visio http://www.electrical.sandrila.co.uk/

Paul, there are five text blocks in the shape, so this must be a grouped
shape (A shape can only have one text block). The main shape has the text
block for the center section and it has four"sub shapes" that contain the
extra text blocks. Non of the sub shapes have geometry sections, so it will
be necessary to add a geometry section to the text blocks that are to have
the border. Initially the sub shapes have no height and width and only the
PinX and PinY are set.
So the H&W have to be set based on the values for the group shape, a
geometry section has to be added to draw the border.

John...

 

[Paul Herber]

How do I find/select the appropriate area in the explorer?

As you stated, the container is just an area, so I can't figure out how to
select that region (Block 2).

Good point! Once you are in edit mode in master shape in the document
stencil, in the Master Explorer you will see that the shape is
composed of several subshapes, open each one in turn, in the cell
User.BlockName you will find the one containing the "2".

 

[Paul Herber]

Paul, there are five text blocks in the shape, so this must be a grouped
shape (A shape can only have one text block). The main shape has the text
block for the center section and it has four"sub shapes" that contain the
extra text blocks. Non of the sub shapes have geometry sections, so it will
be necessary to add a geometry section to the text blocks that are to have
the border. Initially the sub shapes have no height and width and only the
PinX and PinY are set.
So the H&W have to be set based on the values for the group shape, a
geometry section has to be added to draw the border.

Hi John, er, yes, isn't that what I said?
I've just tried it, it works to certain level, the box could be a bit
larger..

 

[MikeZ]

I am not able to select access the Shapesheet for any of the sub shapes. . .?

On the Master shapesheet, I turned off the LockGroup (0) Protection. This
enabled me to ungroup the shape, but I am still not able to select and open
the Shapesheet for any of the sub shape's. Even though it seems like the
subshape is selected, I always get the Shapesheet for the top (first) object.

I did draw a line (Geometry 6) using Paul's original post, but when I
updated the Master stencil and dropped a new shape on my drawing the line
disappeared. . .

I am very close, I just need a few more tips. Thanks again for the GREAT
information so far!

 

[Paul Herber]

On the Master shapesheet, I turned off the LockGroup (0) Protection. This
enabled me to ungroup the shape

No! No, that will break the shape.

I am not able to select access the Shapesheet for any of the sub shapes. . .?

If you can see the Master Explorer, in list of Masters you will see
the shape you are modifying, expand the + marks until you get down to
the lowest level, there will be 4 sub-shapes. Right-click and there
will be a menu Show Shapesheet.

 

[John... Visio MVP]

Hi John, er, yes, isn't that what I said?
I've just tried it, it works to certain level, the box could be a bit
larger..

Regards, Paul Herber, Sandrila Ltd.
Electronics for Visio http://www.electronics.sandrila.co.uk/

Yes you did. I've been in the colonies too long and my skill at reading
English is slipping.
"find the appropriate area in the explorer" threw me.

John... Visio MVP