Clear all data and data headings from selected shapes

[Aaron]

I have created a data set and I want to apply it to all my selected shapes.
My shapes already have default data headings assigned to them. The default
data headings are not part of any data set. I can add my data set to all the
shapes. I can remove existing data sets from all the shapes. But how do I
remove the default data headings from all the shapes without going into each
shape, define, delete? In other words, when I assigne my data set to all the
shapes and I remove existing data sets from all the shapes, I am left with my
data set AND the default data headings. I want just my data set.

 

[Barb Way]

If you are talking about shapes like the Flowchart Shapes, which have the
properties "Cost", "Duration" and "Resources" for example - these were not
assigned as Custom Property Sets, and so the 'Remove existing property
sets' option does not affect them.

However - I found a way to get past this. Create a Property Set which
includes fields with the same name as the items that are pre-defined in the
shape sets you are working with. Then Assign your newly defined
'temporary' Property Set across all the shapes. Then assign your
'permanent' (and desired) Property Set to the same shapes, using the
'Remove existing property sets' option. This will remove the existing
properties from your 'temporary' set, and you will be left with the
property set that you intended.

I tried this using a sample Flowchart drawing, where all of the existing
shapes had a single set of built-in properties. If you are using shapes
which are from a variety of templates (and which have different pre-defined
data properties), you may have to create a temporary property set with more
properties, but the concept will still work.

Hope that helps!

Barb Way
Product Support - Visio
Microsoft Corporation
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.