Changing shapes in a flowchart

[Bob Powell]

I have created a flowchart with text in each shape. I now decide I want to
change some of the shapes, say from rectangle to decision, without deleting
and creating new ones and having to reattach connections. Can I just swap
one shaape for another?

 

[Al Edlund]

within the flowchart stencil there is a 'multishape' (i believe) which is
called flowchart shapes. this is a special shape that allows you to change
it's form and not have to recreate how it was dropped on the page and
customized. If you used that shape it should be possible. If not, you will
probably have to manually change them and reenter the text.
al

 

[Chris [Visio MVP]]

Visio 2003 is pretty good at detecting connections as you place shapes.

If you delete one shape, and place another in it's place, it should pick up
most of the connectors that the old shape had, since most of the flowchart
shapes are about the same size. But you'd still have to re-enter or copy the
text and property-information.

Other than that, you'd need to write a little bit of code and make a nifty
utility. This could replace the shape, and copy the text and properties
automatically.

Hmmm....iff only I had the time!

 

[Bob Powell]

thanks for the info. Seems I am to be frustrated, as I wouldn't know how to
write a piece of code to save my life! But it would certainly be welcome if
MS could add that functionality. Flowcharts should be living documents, and
should therefore be amended frequently.

 

[Paul Herber]

Visio 2003 is pretty good at detecting connections as you place shapes.

If you delete one shape, and place another in it's place, it should pick up
most of the connectors that the old shape had, since most of the flowchart
shapes are about the same size. But you'd still have to re-enter or copy the
text and property-information.

Other than that, you'd need to write a little bit of code and make a nifty
utility. This could replace the shape, and copy the text and properties
automatically.

http://www.visio-utilities.sandrila.co.uk

as the ability to do just that.