Is there a way to require custom text?

[awarnke]

Is there a way to require custom text for a shape? I would like it to
be, if you don't enter the custom text the shape cannot be placed.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Chris Roth [MVP]]

This would be possible with a bit of code.

If you want to only use custom properties, ShapeSheet -- built-in Visio
features sans code, then it would be difficult. You *could* make shapes turn
red based on no-test. This would require manipulations of the FillForegnd
cell using the StrSame(ShapeText(),"") expression. Still not an end-user
feature.

You could also play with the Color by Values add-on. Go to: Tools > Add-ons

Run Add-on > Color by Values. Perhaps you can get it to notice "no text".

I just took a quick look and it looks like it deals mostly with numbers, but
perhaps a quick look at the help file will yield more ideas.

--
Hope this helps,

Chris Roth
Visio MVP

www.wanderkind.com/visio

 

[awarnke]

Thanks for the advice Chris! I like your suggestion of having the
color be different if properties are not filled in, however I am having
difficulties with the formula. I think it is the shapetext function.
Any ideas what I am doing wrong? I have 2k3 professional.

Thanks again!

AW