Visio objects turn gray after release

[Bobbi]

I have opened an already created/ saved visio project. I want to add more
dates/ shapes but when I choose the objects to drag over onto the timeline
they show up as normal but when I release the mouse they change to all gray.
If I compare the new object/ text with the ones already created they have the
exact same formating. What is going on? How do I get it to reflect the
correct formating?

 

[Paul Herber]

I have opened an already created/ saved visio project. I want to add more
dates/ shapes but when I choose the objects to drag over onto the timeline
they show up as normal but when I release the mouse they change to all gray.
If I compare the new object/ text with the ones already created they have the
exact same formating. What is going on? How do I get it to reflect the
correct formating?

Does this only happen on this diagram? What about if you create a new
diagram, does this still happen?

 

[WapperDude]

To add new shapes, you're dragging and dropping from the stencil? Have you
tried to copy and paste (ctrl-D) existing shapes? Do the duplicates keep
their original color or do they turn gray also?

Wapperdude

 

[Bobbi]

We have tried both dragging it from the stencil and copy/pasting from an
existing shape. The duplicates do not keep the format, even though in the
properties it shows it does have the same formatting as the pervious. The
wierdest part about it too is that it shows the correct formatting when you
are pasting up until you let go of the mouse, then it goes completely gray.

 

[WapperDude]

That is weird! Well, two more things to come to mind to try.a.) in the same file, insert a new page and try dragging and
dropping shapes.
b.) in same file, insert a new page, copy your original drawing and
paste it on the new page. I suspect that things will turn gray in both cases.
c.) If you start a brand new file, do you get normal behavior when
you create a new diagram?
d.) Copy your drawing, open a new file, and paste your drawing?
Does the gray come back?

If c.) is OK, and a, b, and d are not, then I think your drawing has a
problem. If a is OK and b) is not, that also suggests your drawing has a
problem. Of course, if b) works, then, the problem, whatever it was, seems
to be gone.

Like I said, I don't know what's causing this, but, perhaps there is a way
to treat the symptoms.

Good luck. If something does/doesn't work, post the results if you don't
mind.

Wapperdude

 

[Bobbi]

We tested it and when we open a new one it doesn't do it. Also we can paste
the objects from the original doc to a new doc and it will suddenly work.
It's almost like it is stuck in gray format, readonly etc... I'm just really
curious as to what would cause this and the solution could be.

 

[WapperDude]

Couple more thoughts--other than turning gray, do the shapes behave
correctly? Inherent the correct properties from the time line? Can you
manually change the color of the shape?

I would say the color change occurs as an inheritance thing. Until you
release the mouse button, the shape retains it's stencil properties. Upon
mouse release, it then inherits the page (file?) properties.

Wapperdude

 

[Bobbi]

Thank you so much. I had to wait until my coworker returned and we did try
Paul's suggestion. After creating a new doc everything seemed to go back to
normal. We then tried pasting the objects into a new doc and when we added a
new object they remained in color. I will have to wait until Thursday to try
the others though. It must be something with the page properties but I can't
figure out what.

 

[Paul Herber]

We tested it and when we open a new one it doesn't do it. Also we can paste
the objects from the original doc to a new doc and it will suddenly work.
It's almost like it is stuck in gray format, readonly etc... I'm just really
curious as to what would cause this and the solution could be.

If you want to send me the original diagram I can take a look. It
might be interesting to see what the problem was.
paul
at
pherber
dot
com