Advanced Fill Technique in Visio Prof 2003

[cduckworth]

I've created an object and would like to fill around the object such that the
fill does not intrude on the object itself but instead only surrounds it.
After completing and grouping my initial object, I drew a rectangle that
partially covered the initial object. I then used the fill command inside the
rectangle and adjusted the transparency. How do I prevent the fill from
intruding on my initial object? I want the fill to stop at the outer border
of my object?

I'm sure that this can be easily accomplished but I am new to Visio. Can
someone please help? :^) Thank you in advance.

 

[Chris Roth [MVP]]

Hi CD,

You can send the shape backwards (ie: Shape > Order > Send to Back or Send
Backwards), then your object will be in the foreground, and the fill will be
behind it.

Another method that might work is to get an outline of your object, then
select the rectangle and choose Shape > Operations > Combine. This will
effectively "punch a hole" in your rectangle that exactly masks the outline
of your object. See if you can get this to work and let us know how you're
coming along!

--
Hope this helps,

Chris Roth
Visio MVP

Free Visio shapes:
http://www.visguy.com/category/shapes
Visio programming info:
http://www.visguy.com/category/programming/
Other Visio resources:
http://www.visguy.com/visio-links/

 

[cduckworth]

Chris,
Thank you for the prompt response. I initially tried sending the various
objects backwards, forwards, etc. but that does not seem to have an effect.

I attempted your second suggestion, but this yielded a strange result where
the details inside my object (dashed lines) were made solid and the fill
color changed. It didn't produce the result that we're going for, but maybe
there's something strange about my object or the grouping that is causing the
problem?

Is it possible for me to post my 50k file somewhere for you to see? I'm not
sure why this isn't working but really appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Clay Duckworth