Auto Update Text Box

Question

I have 2 text box with the same text inside on different pages, I would like to link one with the other, I mean, If I change the text on one page on the other it will be updated automatically on the other. I know how to do it if both are on the same page, but I don't if are on different pages.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

I don't think Luis was asking about shapes on a background page. But regardless, the formula I posted will still work on background pages, e.g., 

=SHAPETEXT(Pages[Background-1]!Sheet.1!TheText)

However, you are trying to replicate shape data properties not text on a shape so there is no "sheet" name required. I think what you want is something like this:

=Pages[Background-1]!ThePage!Prop.MyPropertyName

The formula still has the same three elements:

   page ! object ! property

In the original formula the elements were

   page ! shape ! text

In your formula you need

   page ! pagesheet ! shape data value

Answer 2

Scott,

I tried this your copy command on two different background pages and I keep getting an error.

Like Luis I also wanted to use one sheet to put data on and pass it to successive sheets.

My situation is a little different since the template I'm creating that uses background sheet(1)

to collect the data being inputted (This is a Title page of a multiple sheet drawing using background sheet(1). I have a second background sheet(2) will be used to create Sheet 2, sheet 3, etc of the drawing.

It's those sheets that I need to have the (2) Text values I.E. drawing number, REV to automatically be inserted based on what data gotten from background sheet 1.  My first background sheet used properties that I defined in the shape sheet for the page. I'm using Visio 2010. Any insight would be

helpful. Thanks Jim

I tried this formula below in the value field on a text shape (via shape-sheet) on background sheet(2).

I still got an error.

Pages[background sheet(1)]!ThePage!prop.property_name.

Answer 3

There are two things you need to know to link to a shape on a different page.

First, you need to use the Pages[ ] function; you'll find the syntax in the Visio SDK. 

Second, you cannot use the shape name when you refer to a shape on another page. Instead you need to use the "Sheet" name, e.g., if the name of a process box in a flowchart is Process.3, you need to refer to it as sheet.3 instead. 

Consequently, if the shape whose text you want to copy is on Page-1, then your formula will look something like this:

SHAPETEXT(Pages[Page-1]!sheet.3!TheText)

Answer 4

Hi,

Try this workaround:

You could create a Background page and place the text box with the universal information there. This KB from Microsoft explains how to create a background page, and how to apply it to each of your foreground pages.

Regards,