How do I create a new Visio shape in Visio 2000

[Budget Programmer]

Hi,
Thanks for reading my question. I'm using Visio 2000 and need to create a
few unique geometric shapes. For example, I need to create a trapezoid (two
lines are parallel and two are not). I drag four lines, get them to the
right length and angle, and connect them. I group them, but it doesn't
create a shape. I need to create these shapes so that I can apply specific
fill color, etc. How do I do this? Is there some special "create shape"
icon I'm not familiar with? Many Thanks.

 

[Al Edlund]

shapes that you use are no different than shapes that you create, the
difference is that if you want to use it more than once you save it in a
stencil.
I'd start over here for a little education
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/en-us/devref/HTML/DVS_Copyright_1270.asp?frame=true
al

 

[Budget Programmer]

Thanks for responding, but I think you may have missed the question. I'm
asking how to create a shape in the first place. I can't get four lines
together to make a trapezoid. It has to be a "real" shape so that I can
apply Fill to it.
Thanks.

 

[Al Edlund]

I just used the line tool to draw the trapezoid, selected all four lines,
right clicked to make them a group, right clicked to select a fill, done
al

 

[Pemo]

Thanks for responding, but I think you may have missed the question. I'm
asking how to create a shape in the first place. I can't get four lines
together to make a trapezoid. It has to be a "real" shape so that I can
apply Fill to it.

Grouping simply groups separate objects (eg lines) - they do not form a
single closed shape. The join command does that.

Assuming successive (separate) lines start and finish at the corresponding
points (to be absolutely sure, set Snap to Shape Handles). Select all
lines, menu item Shape | Operations | Join.

Alternatively, draw the four lines in succession, keeping previous lines
selected. That is: draw line 1; release mouse button; click button without
moving mouse; draw line 2; unclick, reclick button; line 3; unclick,
reclick, line 4 to original start point. Single object results, which (if
truly closed) is fillable.

Pemo

 

[John Marshall, MVP]

Pemo is correct. An alternate is to create a rectangle shape and use the
pencil tool to adjust the corners.

Select the pencil tool and hold down the Ctrl key - you will be able to drag
any of the corners to a new position.

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