Answers for VISIO queries

[Robert Marshall]

Hi,

I need some answers on 3 problems I have with the VISIO
product.

1> Why does the rounded rectangle stencil always provide a
normal square cornered rectangle? How can this be
rectified? Rounded square works but not the rectangle.

2> How can I unlock title blocks or other fabricated icons
in the stencils? For example on a title block I can remove
the included title, however the date box is locked. The
date text box cannot be removed or changed!

3> Only 3 countries in the world are not metric, Liberia,
Burma and the USA. How come I cannot easily change the
VISIO product from imperial to SI units?

I have been using this HATEFUL product in various forms for
a few years now and I can still say it is one of the worst
drawing tools available. Newer versions show differences in
style, but no improvement to the product. The only reason
I have to use it is because it can mate with Autocad.


Help Please.

Rob

 

[Randall Arnold]

Replies:

1> Click on the rectangle. See the yellow grip point in the lower left
corner? Select it and drag. Voila! Rounded corners.

2> I'm not experiencing this in Visio 2003 beta. Have you tried using the
text tool (A) to select regions for editing?

3> Not sure what the exact issue is regarding this question.

I have to say my experience is the opposite of yours. I've used Visio off
and on for years and love the product. Its constantly improving power and
flexibility are unequaled in the market, IMO. 2003 is the best yet, and I
look forward to what 2004 will offer.

Caveat: approaching Visio as if it is a "drawing tool" is, in my opinion, a
mistake. There are far superior drawing tools, such as Canvas, Illustrator,
and Corel Designer. Visio is a *diagramming* tool, and the best there is.

Randall Arnold

 

[John Marshall, MVP]

For 2) Which stencil (and version of Visio) are you using. The date field
may be intentionally locked, but you can change the protection to allow
editing.

John... Visio MVP

Need stencils or ideas? http://www.mvps.org/visio/3rdparty.htm
Need VBA examples? http://www.mvps.org/visio/VBA.htm
Common Visio Questions http://www.mvps.org/visio/common_questions.htm

 

[jmw]

Robert Marshall wrote:

[...]

3> Only 3 countries in the world are not metric, Liberia,
Burma and the USA. How come I cannot easily change the
VISIO product from imperial to SI units?

because you didn't look in:

File -- Page Setup -- Page Properties -- Measurement Units?

....did i win?

 

[Lori Pearce [MSFT]]

1) You can also use the rectangle tool and select any kind of rounded
corners you'd like from the Format->Line dialog box.
2) Check Format->Protection to see if Text is protected. If yes, uncheck
it.
3) In Visio 2002 you can choose to install US Units or Metric or both.
Choose Custom Install. In versions prior to Visio 2002, you can purchase
the "International" version of Visio instead of the US Version.

Sorry you consider this product hateful. Many fine folks worked hard to
create a product that could be used by folks who didn't need a hard core
illustration or CAD product.


Lori Pearce
Longhorn SDK Team
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Subject: Answers for VISIO queries
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Hi,

I need some answers on 3 problems I have with the VISIO
product.

1> Why does the rounded rectangle stencil always provide a
normal square cornered rectangle? How can this be
rectified? Rounded square works but not the rectangle.

2> How can I unlock title blocks or other fabricated icons
in the stencils? For example on a title block I can remove
the included title, however the date box is locked. The
date text box cannot be removed or changed!

3> Only 3 countries in the world are not metric, Liberia,
Burma and the USA. How come I cannot easily change the
VISIO product from imperial to SI units?

I have been using this HATEFUL product in various forms for
a few years now and I can still say it is one of the worst
drawing tools available. Newer versions show differences in
style, but no improvement to the product. The only reason
I have to use it is because it can mate with Autocad.


Help Please.

Rob

 

[jmw]

Lori Pearce [MSFT] wrote:
[...]

Many fine folks worked hard to
create a product that could be used by folks who didn't need a hard core
illustration or CAD product.

....and that is the primary reason i bought my copy, so "thanks".
(don't know who 'Rob' is)