Introduction

Microsoft Office Visio 2007 Inside Out is your guide to using the most popular drawing software in the world. Whether creating a simple flowchart outlining your children’s responsibilities and what they need to fulfill them, or detailing a complex computer network at a large corporation, Microsoft Office Visio 2007 is the software to use. Always a clever and intricate piece of software, Office Visio 2007 has become even more useful, even more intuitive, making itself not only more effective, but easier to use as well.

New features such as themes allow users to create colorful, professional looking diagrams with little more than a click of the mouse. Better still, with Pivot diagrams, data graphics, and smarter shapes than ever before, the beautiful diagrams that you make will work harder and do more for you.

Who Is the Book For?

It’s probably for you. Almost everyone can benefit from a copy of Visio 2007. Beginners will find the facts presented in a straightforward style, yet advanced users will find detailed information to expand their knowledge of Visio 2007. Users pressed for time can quickly flip to the section that covers their current concern, while those with a good cup of coffee and some time on their hands will be able to browse the wealth of information at their leisure. We do assume that readers have a basic understanding of computer terms, such as click, choose, save, etc, and that they are familiar with their operating system, be it Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows Server.

How This Book Is Organized

This book offers a well-planned and insightful approach to the entire spectrum of Visio 2007 solutions. Each of the eight parts focuses on a specific aspect of Visio 2007.

Part 1–Introduction to Visio 2007

This part explains the basic to intermediate functions of Visio 2007. Included are chapters on getting started, creating diagrams, connecting shapes, adding text to shapes, publishing your Visio 2007 diagrams to the web, storing data in diagrams, integrating Visio 2007 with other programs, and saving and printing your work.

Part 2–Inside Business Diagrams

At its heart Visio 2007 is a business drawing program. In this section we’ll dissect that beating muscle and find what makes it tick. Included are sections on creating flowcharts, visualizing an organization and diagramming it in Visio 2007, using block diagrams to display relationships and processes, tracking projects and schedules, and adding impact to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.

Part 3–Inside Network Diagrams

Visio 2007 is an excellent tool to use in mapping networks and mapping web sites. In this section we learn to do both. Included are chapters on creating network diagrams and planning and mapping web sites.

Part 4–Inside Drawings

This part describes, in great detail, how to use the precision inherent in Visio 2007 diagrams to make meticulously detailed and precise diagrams. The sections which comprise this part include measuring and dimensioning with precision, using CAD drawings in Visio 2007, and laying out floor and site plans.

Part 5–Inside Database and Software Diagrams

This section describes how Visio 2007 can assist in modeling your databases and visually replicating your software system. Included are sections on diagramming and documenting databases and diagramming software systems.

Part 6–Inside the Visio 2007 Platform

It is here that you will come to know and love the inner workings of Visio 2007. The section is a proud muster of chapters on customizing shapes and solutions, drawing and editing to create new shapes, defining styles, patterns, and colors, and much more.

Part 7–Inside Technical Diagrams

This part includes information on creating space plans, using the space plan startup wizard, and saving space plans on the web. Also included is a chapter on diagramming for mechanical, electrical, and process engineering.

Appendixes

The appendixes include Visio 2007 installation information, and a template and stencil reference.