General information
1. What is Visio?
2. Who can benefit from using Visio?
3. I already create diagrams in Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint. Why do I need Visio?
4. What artistic skills do I need to use Visio?
5. What's new in Visio 2010?
6. Why should I upgrade to Visio 2010?
7. Are Microsoft Office Visio 2003 and Office Visio 2007 files compatible with Visio 2010, and vice versa?
8. What editions are available for Visio 2010?
9. What languages is Visio 2010 available in?
Using Visio 2010 with other Microsoft Office applications
10. Is Visio 2010 included in any of the Microsoft Office 2010 suites?
11. How can I use Visio 2010 with other Microsoft Office applications
Customizing and installing Visio 2010
12. Can I customize Visio 2010?
13. Where can I get help customizing Visio 2010?
14. Does Visio 2010 support silent installation and other forms of managed installation?
Integrating with other programs and technologies
15. Can I integrate Visio 2010 with other Microsoft technologies?
Using Visio 2010 to support IT operations
16. I’m an IT professional. Which edition of Visio 2010 should I use?
17. More specifically, what are the benefits of using Visio Premium 2010 in my role as an IT professional?
18. How can Visio 2010 help with IT operations and business process management?
19. What resources are available to help me use Visio as an IT management tool?
Training and technical resources
20. What training and certification programs are available to help me learn Visio 2010?
21. I don't want to take a full course. Is there anywhere to get quick guidance on how to use specific features in Visio 2010?
22. Where can I find Visio 2010 information specifically for IT professionals?
23. Where can I find Visio 2010 information specifically for developers?
24. Where is the best place to get the latest information about Visio?
25. Where can I find troubleshooting information and the latest support resources for Visio 2010?
System requirements
26. What are the system requirements for Visio 2010?
General information
Microsoft Visio is an advanced diagramming solution that can help you simplify, connect, and share information. It is ideal for IT professionals, developers, and people in other roles (such as business process roles, human resources [HR], and administration) who need to interpret, update, and share complex information about processes, infrastructure, and applications.
Visio 2010 provides powerful tools for creating graphical diagrams and working with data without the need for advanced artistic or technical skills. Whether you are creating an organizational chart, network diagram, or process diagram, you can assemble the graphics you need from pre-drawn shapes. Visio 2010 also contains dozens of stencils and templates, such as for data center design, engineering, operations management, systems design, security planning, application design, website design, and much more.
Visio is a universal drawing tool that can benefit almost anyone with a need to create diagrams to capture and share information about processes, infrastructure, or applications. For example, Visio 2010 can help IT professionals create diagrams related to system design, application design, system engineering, space planning, installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, asset management, technical support, IT operations, business processes, and more. Whether your diagrams are technical or business- oriented, you will find a comprehensive set of diagramming tools to help make complex information easier to understand and analyze. Moreover, you can link Visio 2010 diagrams to multiple data sources to provide rich real-time visualizations.
Although other Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint, provide basic diagramming capabilities, Visio is a dedicated diagramming tool that is more effective for a broad range of diagrams. For example, Visio enables you to:
- • Store information within shapes.
- • Generate diagrams from data and generate data from diagrams (including exporting data to reports).
- • Ues connection tools to snap objects together (for example, connecting equipment shapes with lines representing cables).
- • Link your diagrams to external data.
- • Scale diagrams to the level of accuracy you need.
- • Import computer-aided design (CAD) drawings to use as a basis for accurately scaled drawings.
None. With Visio, you can easily create diagrams using intelligent, pre-drawn shapes and templates created by Microsoft and Microsoft partners. Visio comes with pre-defined themes that instantly coordinate the color and text style in a diagram. When you select a theme, it automatically adjusts the formatting in the Shapes window and on the drawing page. You can easily enhance your diagram’s appearance by applying attractive backgrounds, borders, and titles that share the same look.
Visio 2010 introduces a number of improvements and features:
Diagramming and navigational improvements
- • Work more quickly with the Microsoft Office Fluent user interface. Find and access the features and tools you need more quickly with a new user interface that is consistent with the Microsoft Office 2010 applications.
- • Quickly access shapes and stencils. Find and select the shapes and stencils you want and easily move between them with the improved Shapes window. Use the new Quick Shapes area near the top of every stencil to find the shapes you use most often in a stencil.
- • Preview formatting changes. See how formatting options such as themes, alignment, and positioning will look on the drawing page before you commit to them.
- • Expand page size for larger diagrams. Create larger diagrams without worrying about the page size with an expandable canvas that automatically adjusts to your needs.
- • Align and space automatically. Align and position everything in the diagram or a selected area properly with only one click.
- • Insert and delete shapes with automatic alignment and spacing. Insert new shapes into connected flow diagrams without having to move or realign existing shapes. Delete shapes from connected flow diagrams without having to delete or reconnect leftover connectors.
- • Connect shapes more easily. Use the AutoConnect feature to quickly add automatically connected shapes or to connect shapes already on the page without having to switch to the Connector tool.
- • Organize diagrams with containers. Keep large diagrams organized and understandable by grouping related shapes logically and visually into containers.
- • Add legends to your data graphics. Automatically generate legends for the data graphics on your page.
- • Position shapes in the right place. Use new guides and spanning points to know when your shapes are aligned and evenly spaced.
- • Change your view quickly with a more agile status bar. Quickly adjust the zoom level, switch into Full Screen view, or switch between open drawings.
New and updated diagram types
• Take advantage of new and improved templates:
o Cross-functional flowchart template. Use the Container and List functionality to help improve swimlane management.
o Wireframe template. Use medium-fidelity user interface (UI) shapes for software application prototyping and design.
o Six Sigma template. Create Six Sigma flowcharts and House of Quality diagrams.
o Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) template Create flowcharts that follow the BPMN 1.2 standard.
o SharePoint Workflow template. Diagram your workflow in Visio using the Microsoft SharePoint Workflow template and shapes and then export it to Microsoft SharePoint Designer to implement on your site.
- • Share a dynamic, data-driven diagram through a browser. Publish any type of diagram (static or data-linked) to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 using Visio Services, with just a few clicks. Diagrams are rendered in Microsoft Silverlight (high-fidelity) or PNG format.
Process management
- • Validate your diagrams. Help ensure accuracy and consistency across your organization using diagram validation to check diagrams against common errors and business rules.
- • Turn complex processes into subprocesses. Break complex processes in diagrams into more manageable pieces using subprocesses. A subprocess is a reusable mini-diagram that resides on its own page, but links to a Subprocess shape in a larger diagram.
- • Import and export SharePoint workflows. Export your workflow to SharePoint Designer to add configuration details for execution. Import a workflow to Visio to view and modify it visually.
- • Work with AutoCAD files. Import, save, and work with computer-aided design (CAD) files from AutoCAD 2008.
Improvements and new features in Visio 2010 can help you work more productively, share information more easily, and better manage your processes:
- • Diagramming improvements in Visio 2010 can help you create new diagrams more quickly.
- • Being able to link to external data and publish data-linked diagrams to Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 using Visio Services can make your diagrams more useful to more people across your company.
- • You can use Visio Services to visualize the status and performance of your business processes and workflows.
- • By creating dashboards in Visio Services, you can create compelling visuals to share important information more clearly, helping support critical business decisions.
- • If you’re already familiar with Visio flowcharting, you can create SharePoint workflows directly in Visio 2010 with the new, advanced SharePoint Workflow template, which contains pre-defined workflow rules.
- • With Visio 2010 features such as diagram validation and Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), you can help improve compliance and standardization across your organization.
- • You can help reduce system downtime by monitoring your network in real time using the Visio 2010 Add-in for Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2.
- • If you work with architectural or computer-aided design (CAD) files, you can import AutoCAD DWG files from version 2008 and earlier.
Yes. In Visio 2010, you can open and use Visio diagrams from any previous version. You can open a Visio 2010 diagram directly in Office Visio 2003 or Office Visio 2007. You can also save a Visio 2010 drawing in Microsoft Office Visio 2002 or Office Visio 2000 format. Some functionality specific to Visio 2010 may be unavailable if you save your diagram to a previous version.
Three editions of Visio 2010 are available: Visio Standard 2010, Visio Professional 2010, and Visio Premium 2010. Many IT professionals choose Visio Professional 2010 because of its IT-related shapes, stencils, templates, and solutions. If you create process diagrams, Visio Premium 2010 adds significant, valuable process diagramming and validation features.
Learn more about the differences between the Visio 2010 editions.
Visio 2010 is available in the following languages:
Using Visio 2010 with other Microsoft Office applications
No. Visio 2010 is available as a stand-alone application only; it is not included in any of the Office 2010 suites.
Learn more about which applications are available in Office 2010 suites.
Visio 2010 will work seamlessly with your Office 2010 files:
- • Embed Visio diagrams in Office files. Emphasize and clarify important points in everyday business communications by inserting information-rich Visio diagrams into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Outlook e-mail messages, Microsoft Word documents, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations.
- • Edit Visio diagrams from within Office applications. Edit your Visio diagrams in place without returning to your original diagram. After you have embedded a Visio diagram in an Office file, simply double-click the diagram to access the Visio editing environment and make your changes.
- • Transfer your PowerPoint color scheme to a Visio diagram. Give your Visio diagram the same look and feel as your presentation by creating your diagram in PowerPoint and then applying the slide's color scheme to the diagram.
- • Link to data in Microsoft Access databases or Excel spreadsheets. View your linked data in the Visio External Data window and see the links to the objects in your diagram, such as equipment, furniture, and other resources.
- • Create a calendar in Visio from Outlook data. Use Visio tools to customize the calendar’s look and feel.
- • Work with Microsoft Project data in Visio and vice versa. Create project timelines and Gantt charts in Visio by importing project tasks and milestones from Project. Use Visio to create a work breakdown structure from your Project data. In addition, export data stored in Visio timelines and Gantt charts to Project. Generate visual reports from Project 2010 with a feature that automatically generates Visio PivotDiagrams to assist in project management and financial analysis.
Customizing and installing Visio 2010
Yes. A range of tools is available to help you create custom Visio solutions to meet the needs of your organization:
- • Microsoft ActiveX controls. Use ActiveX controls to add Visio drawing capabilities to your development project.
- • The Microsoft Visio Software Development Kit (SDK). Create custom solutions with the Visio SDK, which includes sample code, tools, documentation, and Primary Interop Assemblies (PIAs).
- • Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. Develop automation programs to synchronize diagrams with enterprise data.
• Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Use VBA to develop portable automation solutions that can be transferred with the drawing file to other users.
For help developing custom solutions that take advantage of Visio 2010:
To get Visio support and solutions from a global network of solution providers:
- • Find third-party add-ins from Visio software partners.
- • Search for Microsoft partners that offer the type of Visio solution or support you are looking for.
Yes. Visio 2010 supports silent installations, as well as the Custom Installation Wizard and Custom Maintenance Wizard.
Integrating with other programs and technologies
Yes. Visio 2010 integrates well with several Microsoft technologies:
- Microsoft SharePoint 2010
- • Publish data-driven diagrams to Visio Services and then view and refresh those diagrams in a browser.
- • Model and monitor SharePoint workflows more easily with a new, advanced template that contains SharePoint workflow rules and lets you export and import workflows between Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2010 and Visio 2010, all without any coding.
- • Quickly set up a pre-configured site to store and manage your Visio process diagrams with Visio Process Repository, a SharePoint 2010 site template that uses SharePoint collaboration features—including check-in and check-out, versioning, and workflow—and integrates with several of the new process management features in Visio 2010.
-
- • Microsoft Word 2010. Insert Visio 2010 diagrams into Word 2010 documents for emphasis and clarification.
- • Microsoft PowerPoint 2010. Create a Visio diagram in PowerPoint 2010 or Visio 2010 and use matching color themes so that your presentations and diagrams look professional when used together.
- • Microsoft Outlook 2010. Generate a calendar from Outlook 2010 data in Visio 2010. Insert Visio diagrams into or create Visio diagrams directly in Outlook 2010 email messages.
- • Microsoft Excel 2010 and Access 2010. Connect your Visio 2010 diagrams to Excel 2010 spreadsheets or Access 2010 databases to integrate information sources and display accurate shape data.
- • Microsoft Project 2010. Generate timelines and Gantt charts by importing project tasks and milestones from Project 2010. Export data stored in Visio 2010 timelines and Gantt charts to Project 2010. Generate visual reports using Visio PivotDiagrams from Project 2010.
- Microsoft System Center Operations Manager. Use Visio 2010 as a graphical interface to run System Center Operations Manager tasks from a network diagram.
Microsoft Systems Center Configuration Manager. Use a Visio 2010 network diagram to graphically display information about the nodes on your network based on data in System Center Configuration Manager.
Microsoft Exchange Server. Use a wizard in Visio 2010 to generate an organization chart from your Exchange Server global address list.
Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Access. Use Visio 2010 to model SQL Server and Access databases by reverse engineering existing schemas or to design proposed database structures using entity relationship diagrams. Create or modify Visio diagrams through links to your database.
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. Use Visio 2010 to create unified modeling language (UML) diagrams of Visual Studio .NET development projects by reverse engineering the class structure. Use add-ins written in Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and C#, as well as XML web services. Take advantage of the integrated macro recorder and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
Microsoft BizTalk Server. Use Visio 2010 to design or document business processes and then dynamically share the data through XML process standards, such as old domain exit (ODX) or business process execution language (BPEL). Automate the tasks with BizTalk Server.
Windows Server. Use Visio 2010 to document or design a Microsoft Active Directory service topology for deployment and migration planning within an organization.
Using Visio 2010 to support IT operations
Depending on your needs, you could use either Visio Professional 2010 or Visio Premium 2010. If you need visual workflow design capabilities or to create Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) 1.2 diagrams, you need Visio Premium. Otherwise, Visio Professional may be sufficient.
Learn more about the differences between the Visio 2010 editions.
Visio Premium 2010 can help you effectively and efficiently interpret, update, and share complex information about your IT processes, infrastructure, and applications. It enables you to publish data-driven IT diagrams to SharePoint Server, model and monitor SharePoint workflows with zero coding, and enhance compliance and standardization through diagram validation and use of standards based process modeling such as Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN).
Visio 2010 can help you create a clear picture of business or technical processes by quickly documenting and mapping those processes and providing deeper insight into how they work. Visio diagrams are also valuable tools for educating personnel about their roles in processes and what occurs at each step. By taking advantage of the ability to link to external data and using PivotDiagrams to visually represent your data, you can use Visio to analyze existing conditions and plan for moves, additions, and changes as well as your financial return on investment (ROI). Finally, Visio diagrams are essential for many compliance documentation requirements.
Visio 2010 comes complete with a number of templates to help you get started. You have several additional options for support and resources:
- • You can access online tutorials from within Visio through the Help option.
- • A range of resources is available online, from guidance on best practices and advanced Visio techniques to downloads of templates, add-ins, and samples.
Review Visio how-to content.
Visi TechNet for technical Visio guidance and tools.
- • Several Microsoft partners provide a range of Visio SmartShapes and add-ins to extend Visio features.
- • Many Microsoft partners also offer additional services, such as custom solutions and training.
Search for Microsoft partners that offer the type of Visio solution or support you are looking for.
Training and technical resources
A number of online Visio training courses are available that you can complete at your own pace. In addition, a global network of hundreds of Visio solution providers can assist you with specific deployment, training, and customization issues.
You can find guidance on how to use Visio in various roles through a series of instructional how-to videos, covering:
Visit TechNet to find information on deploying, maintaining, and supporting Visio.
Visit the Visio Developer Center on MSDN (the Microsoft Developer Network) for the latest information about developing solutions that take advantage of Visio, including articles, references, code samples, and how-to videos, as well as the Visio 2010 Software Development Kit (SDK).
Explore this Visio site to find detailed product information, the latest articles on the topics most requested by users, and links to resources such as white papers, how-to videos, and more.
Visit the Visio help and how-to site on Office.com for general guidance on using Visio 2010.
Visit Microsoft Support for the latest troubleshooting information and technical articles on Visio 2010.
System requirements
Visit TechNet for a complete list of system requirements for Visio 2010.
System Requirements:
Processor:
500 megahertz (MHz) processor or higher.
Memory:
256 megabytes (MB) RAM, 512 MB RAM recommended for certain advanced functionality.
Hard Disk:
2.0 gigabyte (GB) available disk space.
Display:
1024x768 or higher resolution monitor.
Operating System:
Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 3 (32-bit), Windows Vista with SP1, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and MSXML 6.0 (32-bit Office only), Windows Server 2008 or later (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit) operating systems.
Other:
Certain advanced collaboration functionality requires connectivity to a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 with SP1 or later and Windows SharePoint Services.
Multi-touch features require Windows 7 and a touch-enabled device.
Certain inking features require running Microsoft XP Tablet PC edition.
Use of graphics hardware acceleration requires DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics card with drivers dated 11/1/2004 or later.
Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, or Internet Explorer 8, 32-bit browser only. Internet functionality requires Internet access (fees might apply).
Actual requirements and product functionality might vary based on the system configuration and operating system. See
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products.
