How to Use Layers in Microsoft Visio

How to Use Layers in Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio makes use of layers that automatically link to the shapes inserted into the file and assigns layers to shapes as necessary. The section below helps users understand how to create and use these layers according to the graph, chart, or diagram they want to establish for their project.

• Step 1: Create a New Document for a Diagram

  

  Open the Microsoft Visio application on the computer and click on the New tab to open a new document. Users have the option to start their diagrams from scratch or select a template from the Microsoft library by typing the name of the diagram they need on the search bar.

• Step 2: Create a New Layer

  

  After opening a template or creating a blank document, insert layers into the file by going to the Layer properties, look for the dialog box in the Layers drop-down menu in the Editing section of the Home tab, then select New. A pop-up window will appear that allows the user to edit the name of the new layer.

• Step 3: Assign the Shapes to a Layer

  

  Select the shape or the connector in the document, and on the diagram, click on the Assign to Layer button from the Layers drop-down menu in the Editing section of the Home tab, to assign a shape to a specific layer. A pop-up window appears through a Layer dialog box that allows the user to designate a shape to a new or existing layer in the diagram. Note that users can use the shape for more than one layer of the diagram, and once everything is in order, click the OK button to save.