"Master Instance" of Frequently Updated Elements?

[JackNYC]

Visio Wizards
I apologize in advance if this is a FAQ, but I can't seem to find a clear answer in the online sources

I'm working on a large Visio document where I frequently reuse the same user-defined element over and over again (frequently, it's text--not sure if I should be referring to this as a shape so I'll stick with the more generic element for now) . Currently, I'm doing this by copying and pasting, and it's a nightmare (yes, the updates are more than I understand can be updated with search and replace)

Is it possible to make this frequently reused elements into an object (a shape?) that has a "master instance" that would enable me to only have to do updates in one place thereby creating a global change?

Thanks so much for any help--I really appreciate it

Jack

 

[Mark Nelson [MS]]

This is highly desirable since it will simplify your work and reduce file
size. Go to File > Shapes > My Shapes and open the Favorites stencil. Then
drag one of your shapes from the drawing to the Favorites stencil. This
creates a new master that can be reused.

--
Mark Nelson
Microsoft Corporation

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Visio Wizards,
I apologize in advance if this is a FAQ, but I can't seem to find a clear answer in the online sources.

I'm working on a large Visio document where I frequently reuse the same

user-defined element over and over again (frequently, it's text--not sure if
I should be referring to this as a shape so I'll stick with the more generic
element for now) . Currently, I'm doing this by copying and pasting, and
it's a nightmare (yes, the updates are more than I understand can be updated
with search and replace).

Is it possible to make this frequently reused elements into an object (a

shape?) that has a "master instance" that would enable me to only have to do
updates in one place thereby creating a global change?

 

[JackNYC]

Hi Mark
Thanks so much for responding to my post
I have done what you instructed, however when I place an instance of th
shape on a drawing and then change the master, the instance doesn't change
What am I missing

Thanks again
Jack

 

[Mark Nelson [MS]]

When you place an instance of a master into a drawing, the properties of the
instance are inherited from the master. That means you can change the
master and automatically update the instances. However, making changes to
the instance can result in "local" overrides of properties. Once a property
has been set locally on the shape, it will not be affected by changes to
that property in the master.

There are several properties that are automatically made local including the
position of the shape and the text. You may be dealing with one of these
items.