Blurry output graphic (Save as...) - Visio 2002

[laurah]

Hi,

Using Visio 2002, when I create a flowchart it looks good on screen, and
prints well straight from Visio.

I need to convert the Visio diagram into an image file (png) to include in
documentation. I've tried to Save as... gif, bmp, jpg, png, and I've tried
various settings, colour formats, colour reduction, resolution, size.
Whatever I do the output graphic won't come out as sharp as it is as a
printed .vsd chart.

I've also tried creating the graphic as a different Text quality (in Tools >
Options > View > Text quality), but nothing has helped.

(I used the Basic flowchart template, and I've tried creating the same
diagram using Arial 6pt, 8pt and 10pt).

Can anyone offer any insight into how I can create a sharp image file from
Visio?

Thanks,
Laurah

 

[Al Edlund]

Stay away from bitmap images (bmp, jpg, gif, etc, stay with vector drawings
(wmf, svg, ole (link to visio), etc.)
al

 

[laurah]

Hi Al,

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately I can't use vector drawings or embedded objects as I need to
include the drawing in an html and pdf outputs that only support bitmap
images.

I tried to create a wmf but it looked even worse than jpg, and svg isn't an
option in the drop-down llist!

I can't believe that there really is no way to create a decent image file
from Visio..

Thanks,
Laura

 

[Al Edlund]

Laura,

The issue is that to get a really good bitmap with significant amouts of
detail requires a 'lot' of storage. To get good resolution in bitmaps
requires the user to define dpi (dots per inch) fairly high. This high dpi
requirement of bitmaps is why they tend to get in the way of storage and
network performance. The reason the drawings look good in visio is that they
are vector based, not bitmaps. The issue isn't the source, the issue is in
the target.

By the way, SVG and PDF readers are both available from Adobe (free). SVG
support was added to visio after 2002.

al