XML and automatic shapes positioning

[Joao Vargem]

Hello,
Before XML, I used to create a text file, which I would then open in Visio
through the wizard, and my flow was displayed with all shapes automatically
placed in the page.
I'm now entering the world of Visio XML files and so far I couldn't find
a way to do the same in the XML! Do you know how can I:
- create an XML file, without setting shapes position, letting Vision
automatically place the shapes for me?
- create an XML file, without setting the connectors positions, simply
specifiying "connect shape A to shape B", letting Vision take care of the
drawing for me?
Thanks.

 

[Mark Nelson [MS]]

Unfortunately, this is not what Visio's XML format was designed for. The
format is a full fidelity format that captures the current state of a
diagram. While you are not required to supply every single shape property,
you do have to define every shape including connectors and give them a
position on the page. Connections must also be defined. I would suggest
using Visio's automation interface to programmatically build your drawing,
rather than try to specify it through XML.