Closing multiple-segment shapes

[majorfifth]

Since my early days of using Visio, I've always had a devil of a time
closing multiple segment shapes. Theoretically, you can close a shape
by dragging the starting point over the ending point, but I find it
very difficult to do, particularly with more complex shapes... it
seems that the points made, but I can't apply a fill. Is there some
sort of trick to this?

 

[WapperDude]

There are a couple of points to consider, expecially with large and/or
complex shapes. Typically, the problem arises because 1.) the begin/end
points are off grid and don't exactly overlap, or 2.) during the creation
process, at some spot, the "continuous" line figure is actually now two or
more separate features, so, by the time you close the figure, it's not really
one figure any more.

Regarding 1.), make sure that snap to vertex is selected (menu
bar>tools>snap & glue. You can go to the advanced tab and set the snap to
vertex at a higher priority. Then, when you reposition the end vertex, it
should snap to the beginning vertex and close your figure.)

2.) Regarding multiple line segments, for a single, continuous structure,
you should see all of the vertices highlighted. If the "chain" is broken,
then, at some spot, the vertices will no longer highlight. But, that's OK.
Just select everything, then go to menu bar > shapes >operations> join. Now
you should see the typical control points for a single 2-D shape and it will
take a fill color/pattern.

Music background???

HTH
Wapperdude