Improving the Provided Flowchart Shapes

In the previous chapter, we learned how Visio shapes get their smartness from the formulas entered in the ShapeSheet, and how we can customize master shapes to provide more functionality. In this chapter, we will continue with more customizations that can improve productivity and accessibility too.

We will learn how to display both the function and phase of shapes within cross-functional flowcharts and the label of the built-in container shapes. We will see how to utilize one of the desktop Visio add-ons to enhance callout shapes. Finally, we will look at ensuring that our diagrams are accessible to all.

In this chapter, we will cover these key topics:

• Adding the phase of swimlane to process shapes
• Inheriting the labels of built-in containers
• Automatically highlighting unglued connectors
• Adding configure options to callouts
• Maintaining callout associations on hidden layers
• Providing meaningful alternate text
...