Using Template

A template prepares everything you need to create a drawing.  In Visio, templates are grouped into different categories, such as Flowchart and Map. 

Information on this page describes:

  1. How to use a template to create a drawing.

  2. How to use an Amazing Visio template.

  3. How to create your own templates.

visio_logo_32x32.gif (1061 bytes) 1. Creating A Drawing with A Template

To use a template to create a drawing, simply open the template.  You can open it from the menu and have a chance to preview it, or open it from the toolbar without previewing it.

a) Opening A Template from the Menu:

  1. Choose menu File > New > Choose Drawing Type.

  2. Choose a Category.

  3. Choose a Template from the preview list then click OK.

visio_Tutorial_ChooseDrawingType.PNG (32132 bytes)

b) Opening A Template from the Toolbar:

  1. visio_HowTo_Template_OpenFromToolbar.PNG (281 bytes) Click the down arrow of the New icon on the Standard toolbar.

  2. A drop down menu shows different categories:
    visio_HowTo_Template_OpenFromToolbarMenu.PNG (5578 bytes)

  3. Place your mouse pointer on a category, another drop down menu shows the templates in the category.  Click your choice: 
    visio_HowTo_Template_OpenFromToolbarMenuSub.PNG (3947 bytes)

    4. To see additional menu items, place your mouse pointer on the down arrow at the bottom of the menu.

visio_logo_32x32.gif (1061 bytes) 2. Using Amazing Visio Templates

1. The Amazing Visio Template Categories

Amazing Visio Templates are organized with the following categories:

Category Templates Inside
Advanced Template Each template is prepared for the best result with multiple stencils.
Basic Template Each template is created with a single Amazing Visio stencil.
Category Template Templates are prepared for different categories, such as Flowchart and Project Schedule.  These templates are further grouped with subcategories that are similar to the built-in Visio template categories.

2. Using an Amazing Visio Template in Your Drawing

Unlike a regular template, each Amazing Visio template comes with a default drawing that gives you a ready-to-use drawing skeleton, such as this one.  It's then very easy to create your drawing by:

a. Modifying the Default Drawing Directly

Simply modify the drawing.  Add more stencils as needed and use the Format Painter to apply the look and feel of the Amazing Visio shapes to your own shapes. 

b. Creating A New Page for Your Drawing

  1. Create a new page: Click your right mouse button on Page-1 then choose Insert Page.  Change the name then press OK.
    visio_HowTo_Template_NewPage.PNG (4048 bytes)

  2. Copy shapes from Page-1, or drag shapes from the stencils.
    visio_HowTo_Template_Stencil.PNG (4652 bytes)

  3. Click Background-1 to change the background.

  4. Once finished, click your right mouse button on Page-1 then choose Delete Page to delete the default drawing.  Save your drawing.

Click here for a step by step tutorial.

visio_logo_32x32.gif (1061 bytes) 3. Creating Your Own Template

You can save a drawing as a template for later use:

  1. Simplify your drawing and get it ready for easy reuse:

    1. Delete extra shapes.  Keep the drawing simple.

    2. Rename the page as Page-1.

    3. Keep background on a separate page Background-1.  Click here for more information.

  2. Delete extra masters from the Document stencil to reduce the file size.  Click here for details.

  3. Change the drawing properties:

    1. Choose menu File > Properties.

    2. Enter a Title and optionally other information.  Choose the following options for the best preview display (please refer to the top of this page to see how your template will show as a small picture in the preview list):
      visio_HowTo_Template_PreviewOption.PNG (1344 bytes)

  4. Save the drawing as a template:

    1. Choose menu File > Save As.
      visio_HowTo_Template_SaveAs.PNG (17537 bytes)

    2. Specify a Save In folder and a File Name.

    3. Choose Template as the Save As Type.

    4. Check Workspace in the Save frame.

    5. Click the Save button.

From now on, you can use this template the same way as other templates to create a new drawing.

Smiley_01.gif (634 bytes) Tip: To open a template for editing:

  1. visio_HowTo_Template_OpenIcon.PNG (292 bytes) Click the Open icon on the Standard toolbar.
    visio_HowTo_Template_OpenForEdit.PNG (20841 bytes)

  2. Browse to the folder where the template resides using the Look In list.

  3. Choose Template as Files Of Type.

  4. Click the file to edit.

  5. Click Original under Open.   This ensures that the original template will be opened instead of a copy being created.

  6. Click Open.

See also: Using Stencil