Visio - difference between master and shape

Question

Hi,

Is it possible that someone can explain to me what a master is in Visio? I am confused to what Visio defines as a Master Shape, opposed to a normal shape. What is the difference and what exactly is its use?

Regards,

Martin

Answer 1

Hi,

The master shapes are useful primarily if you plan to create new shapes and save them for reuse.

When you drag a master onto the drawing page, Visio uses its timestamp to determine whether to make a copy of the master on the document stencil. An instance or copy of the master appears on the drawing page.

Visio master shapes supplied by Microsoft Corporation are copyrighted. You may copy and reorganize them for your own use, modify them for your own use, and distribute drawings that contain them. You may not sell or distribute original or modified Visio master shapes.

If you need to understanding Visio shapes and masters, please refer to the following link:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio-help/understanding-visio-shapes-and-masters-HA001182260.aspx

Thus, we may try to create and edit the master shapes, please refer to the following link:

Visio 2010:http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio-help/edit-a-master-shape-HA101827309.aspx

Visio 2013:http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/visio-help/edit-a-master-shape-HA102749205.aspx

Regards,

George Zhao