Microsoft Visio

Visio helps you draw diagrams that communicate complex information at a glance.

Visio is available in two forms, depending on which plan you have:

Description                                                               Available in which plan?   

The full-featured Windows-based app                     Plan 2

A simpler, browser-based app you can                    Plan 2 and Plan 1
use on Windows or macOS; 
no download necessary

TFCA Staff are assigned Plan 2

3 basic steps to create a Visio diagram

1. Choose and open a template

Templates include stencils, shapes, and grid measurements to help you get started quickly and easily when making your diagram.

+ Start the Visio app or open Visio on the web. If Visio is already open, select File > New.
+ Select the template you want or select Basic Diagram to start from scratch.
+ You can also browse for more templates by clicking Categories, and you can enter terms to search for templates.

Template gallery

If you're using the desktop link, you may have to specify a specific type of that template and then select Create.
 

2. Arrange and connect shapes

To create your diagram, you drag shapes from the stencil in the Shapes window to the canvas and connect them. There are several ways to connect shapes, but the simplest way is with AutoConnect arrows.

Note: AutoConnect is available by default when your drawing is based on a template for a type that typically requires connections, like a flowchart. If do not see the AutoConnect arrows Button image when you hover the mouse pointer over a shape, AutoConnect is not active. To activate AutoConnect, click Connector in the Tools area on the Home tab.

+ In the Shapes window, select a shape and drag it onto the canvas.
+ Hold your mouse over one of the arrows and a mini toolbar appears with the top four shapes in the Quick Shapes area.
+ Select the shape you want, and it'll automatically connect to the arrow you selected.
+ You can also drag all your shapes onto the canvas. Then hold the mouse over a shape until the arrows appear. Then grab an arrow and drag it to a shape you want to connect to.
+ If you're using the Visio desktop app, you can also drag a new shape directly from the Shapes window to an existing shape's arrows and connect them automatically.

3. Add text to shapes and connectors

+ Type your text. When you start typing, Visio switches the selected shape to text editing mode.
+ Click an empty area of the page or press Esc when you’re finished.

Note: To move text on a shape, go to Home > Tools > Text Block, and go to a shape that has text on it. Drag the text around and then go back and click Home > Tools > Pointer Tool when you’re done.

Add text to a connector the same way. After you press ESC or click away, select the connector again and you’ll see a tiny box on the text – this is a handle for moving the text block. Click and drag it up, down, or beside the connector.

 Visio training - Microsoft Support