Multishape connection points

[Mike M 91107]

OK. I have figured out how to make multishapes (see posting "How do you make
a Visio shape with multiple positions?" 12/22/2004) and how to make custom
text appear in subshapes (see posting "custom properties and text"
12/14/2004).

So now I want to make a multishape that has connection points in different
places.

Is it possible to have the connection points shift position when changing
between multishapes?

For example, consider square below where lower case letters represent
connection points as the first multishape:

__a__
| |
b c d
| |
__e__

now lets say i want my second multishape to be twice as large:

____A____
| |
| |
B C D
| |
| |
____E____

Is there any way to keep the connection points a-A, b-B, etc. the same so
that when multishape changes, the connection points shift position but remain
connected to any connecting lines?

 

[John Marshall, MVP]

When you group two shapes together you create a new shape that is linked to
the other shape. Add the connection points to the "grouped" shape and base
the locations on the variable that controls which of the groups is
displayed.

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

 

[Mike M 91107]

An example would be most illuminating. How do you convert the logic (ON/OFF)
to a dimension?

Mike

 

[Mike Mueller [MSFT]]

Take a look at the Brainstorming shapes. They move their connection points
around based on the chosen geometry.

 

[John Marshall, MVP]

To follow on Mike's lead...

The Y value formula for one of the connection points is

=GUARD(IF(User.shapelook=4,Height*0.0798,IF(User.shapelook=3,Height*0,Height*0.1197)))

The shape has a User field called shapehook that has a value of 1,2,3 or 4.

The Guard() protects the formula

if Shapelook is 4 then Y is Height*0.0798
otherwise it checks if Shapelook is 3
If it is then Y is Height*0
otherwise Y is Height*0.1197

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