A significant part of what gives Visio diagrams uniqueness and value is the data that resides inside Visio shapes. Called shape data starting with Visio 2007, data fields were known as custom properties in previous versions of Visio.
Many of the masters in the built-in Visio stencils already contain
shape data fields. In this exercise, you’ll work with existing data
fields.
In this exercise, you’ll add and edit values in computer and network shapes.
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In the Network and Peripherals
stencil, drag a Server, a Printer, and a Fax shape onto the page, arranging them from top to bottom on the page.
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Click once on the server shape to select it.
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On the View tab, in the Show
group, click the Task Panes
button, and then click Shape Data. The Shape Data window appears and displays the names and current values, if any, for data fields that are contained within the server shape.
Tip
The Shape Data window can appear anywhere on the screen, but you can
relocate it by dragging the window header. If you drag it toward any
edge of the drawing window, it will attach itself there; if you drag it
a bit further, it will dock outside the drawing window. You can also
let the Shape Data window float over the drawing window as shown in the
graphic.
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Click in the Asset Number field, and type 6789-001.
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Click in the Serial Number field, and type 13579.
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Click in the Network Name field, and type FileServer-A32.
Tip
Note the scroll bar on the right side of the Shape Data window. This
shape has additional data fields that are not visible in the graphic.
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Click once on the printer to select it. Notice that the Shape Data window now shows the fields that are defined for the printer.
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Click in the Asset Number field, and type 6449-001.
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Click in the Network Name field, and type HR-Printer6.
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Click once on the fax to select it. Notice that there are fewer fields defined for the fax machine.
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Click in the Manufacturer field, and type Contoso.
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Click in the Product Number field, and type FX351.
Note
CLEAN UP Save your changes to the Shape Data drawing but leave it open if you are continuing with the next exercise.
