Multiple Outward Connection Points on a single shape

[Brian Grogan]

I would like connect multiple instances of a single shape using different
connection points on that shape. Consider two instances (A and B) of a
single rectangular shape having the following connection points:

-----x2----- -----x2-----
| | | |
o1 (A) x1 o1 (B) x1
| | | |
-----o2----- -----o2-----

where, o1 and o2 are outward connection points, and x1 and x2 are inward
connection points.

In some cases I want to connect the "o1" point on Rectangle B, to the "x1"
point on Rectangle A. In other cases I may want to connect the "o2" point on
Rectangle B to the "x2" point on Rectangle A.

The issue I am having is that VISIO appears to be gravitating toward one
outward connection point. For example, when I try to connect "o1" on
Rectangle B to to "x1" on Rectangle A, VISIO will Not make the connection.
It will also Not make the connection between "o1" and "x2". However, it will
quickly make a connection between "o2" and "x1" or "o2" and "x2".

I've tried multiple combinations of inward, outward, and inward/outward
connection points in an attempt to get this to work but have yet been
unsuccessful.

Is there a way to control the preference of which two points on connecting
shapes are glued together (in additon to visually aligning them) or is there
another approach that will accomplish the objective above?

Thanks in advance for advice on the matter.

 

[Brian Grogan]

The solution is to make sure the cursor is over the desired outward
connection point when dragging the shape (shape B in the example below). If
the cursor is not positoned over the desired outward connection point, Visio
defaults to the one closest to the cursor.