how can I change one shape into another shape?

[Dean]

Is there an easy way to convert existing shapes into other shapes, i.e change
a Predefined process shape into a Preparation shape

 

[Digitall]

1) You may replace local master in document stencil, but text of shapes will
disappear.
1) Copy Preparation shape, then File|Shapes|Show Document stencil.
2) Select Predefined process master and select Edit Master|Edit master
shape.
3) Paste Preparation shape and delete under it Predefined process.
4) Close edit window and select "OK" to update master and its shapes.
Shapes will be Preparation, but all dinamic coonections to connection
points will broke.
2) You may edit local master by point to look like Preparation shape.
1) Copy Preparation shape, then File|Shapes|Show Document stencil.
2) Select Predefined process master and select Edit Master|Edit master
shape.
3) Select master and in menu Window|Show ShapeSheet
4) Delete "Controls" section, Geometry 2 and 3 sections.
5) Change X and Y cell in Geometry 1 section
6) Close ShapeSheet window, Edit Master window and select "OK" to update
master and its shapes.
Shapes will be look like Preparation and all text not disappear and
dinamic connections will stay.
But this is much more difficult way.

 

[Billy the Visio Kidd]

See Visimation.com - they have a tool called Search & Replace that will
replace existing shapes with a new one. There are many options - keep glued,
keep same text ect.