CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

Fall 2014, Version 1.2

Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................3
Downloading the Data Files ..........................................................................................................3
Introduction to Systems Thinking and Process Mapping ..........................................................3
Process Mapping .........................................................................................................................3
Procedure of Process Mapping ...............................................................................................3
Process Mapping Using Visio........................................................................................................4
Starting Visio ..............................................................................................................................4
Overview of the User Interface ...................................................................................................4
Using Page Setup ............................................................................................................................7
Using the Print Setup Tab ...........................................................................................................7
Using the Page Size Tab .............................................................................................................7
Using Basic Drawing Skills ...........................................................................................................8
Adding Shapes to Drawings ........................................................................................................8
Saving New Drawings ................................................................................................................9
Adding and Deleting Pages .......................................................................................................10
Working with Shapes...................................................................................................................10
Selecting Shapes........................................................................................................................11
Moving Shapes ..........................................................................................................................11
Resizing Shapes ........................................................................................................................12
Rotating Shapes.........................................................................................................................12
Copying and Pasting Shapes .....................................................................................................12
Deleting Shapes.........................................................................................................................12
Working with Text .......................................................................................................................13
Adding Text to Shapes ..............................................................................................................13
Adding Text to Pages ................................................................................................................13
Connecting Shapes .......................................................................................................................14
Using the Connector Tool .........................................................................................................14
Using AutoConnect ...................................................................................................................15
Grouping Shapes ..........................................................................................................................17
Grouping and Ungrouping Shapes ............................................................................................17
Adding Shapes to Groups .........................................................................................................18
Removing Shapes from Groups ................................................................................................18
For additional handouts, visit http://www.calstatela.edu/handouts.
For video tutorials, visit http://www.youtube.com/mycsula.

Printing Drawings ........................................................................................................................18

Previewing Drawings ................................................................................................................18
Printing Parts of Drawings ........................................................................................................19
Closing Drawings .........................................................................................................................19
Getting Help .................................................................................................................................19
Exiting Visio .................................................................................................................................21

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

Introduction
Microsoft Visio 2010 helps users create professional-looking diagrams for understanding,
documenting, and analyzing information, data, systems, and processes. The new features and
enhancements in Visio 2010 make creating diagrams even easier and faster. This handout
provides an overview of the Visio 2010 user interface and includes step-by-step instructions on
how to work with shapes and text, connect and group shapes, and print the final diagram. It also
includes a brief introduction to systems thinking and process mapping, including how to select a
process and the procedure of process mapping.

Downloading the Data Files

This handout includes sample data files that can be used for hands-on practice. The data files are
stored in a self-extracting archive. The archive must be downloaded and executed in order to
extract the data files.
The data files used with this handout are available for download at
http://www.calstatela.edu/its/training/datafiles/visio2010.exe.
Instructions on how to download and extract the data files are available at
http://www.calstatela.edu/its/training/pdf/download.pdf.

Introduction to Systems Thinking and Process Mapping

Process mapping is a crucial tool for systems thinking. The participants in a process, the
information gathered and action taken, as well as how that information flows throughout the
system can be identified in process mapping.

Process Mapping
Process mapping is a workflow diagram used to bring forth a clearer understanding of a process
or a series of parallel processes (see Figure 1). A process map is also called a cross-functional
flowchart or deployment chart. It visually depicts the sequence of events to build a product or
produce an outcome. It is a visual representation of a process that illustrates:
What activities are completed by whom and in what sequence.
Hand-offs between departments or individuals.
Internal and external operational boundaries (swim lanes).
Clear starting and stopping points.

Procedure of Process Mapping

1. Select the process and define the process boundaries (define start and stop points).
a. Write down three issues you have been confronted with recently.
b. Select the most important issue.
c. Why is this so important?
d. What is the origin of this issue?
e. What will it take to minimize or eliminate this issue?
f. Draw a simple (high level) flowchart of the process involved.
2. Create the as is process map.
a. List all participants down the left side of the process map.
b. Visually observe each step taken or repeatedly ask what happens next?
c. Record a brief description in the appropriate row moving left to right with time.
d. Connect the boxes in the order of flow.
Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

3. Create the could be or should be process map.

a. Analyze the current process for non-value added step elimination.
b. Document the changes by creating a second process map.
c. Seek approval from all groups.
4. Implement the changes and train those involved in the process.
5. Validate improvements by collecting performance data.
6. If necessary, modify the process further until ultimate efficiency is reached.

Figure 1 Example of a Process Map

Process Mapping Using Visio

While Microsoft Word and PowerPoint provide basic diagramming capabilities, Visio is a
dedicated drawing program that can help users easily create a broad range of drawings.

Starting Visio
There are multiple ways to start Visio. You can start Visio 2010 from the Start menu (in
Windows 7), or by opening an existing Visio file.
To start Visio 2010 from the Start menu:
1. Click the Start button, click All Programs, click Microsoft Office, and then click
Microsoft Visio 2010.

Overview of the User Interface

When you start Visio, the program window opens and the Backstage view displays (see Figure
2). The Backstage view contains all the commands related to managing files and customizing the
program. It provides an easy way to create, open, save, print, share, and close files; find recently
used files; view and update file properties; set program options; get help; and exit the program.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

The New page of the Backstage view provides access to dozens of predesigned templates that
you can use to create diagrams (see Figure 2). The templates are organized into categories of
related diagram types; the number of templates available in each category varies (see Table 1 for
a list of available template categories). Once a category is selected, all the available templates in
that category are displayed.

Figure 2 Visio 2010 Backstage View

Table 1 Template Categories in Visio

Category

Purpose

Business

To show business processes using auditing diagrams, brainstorming diagrams,

cause and effect diagrams, organization charts, etc.
To create basic electrical diagrams, circuits and logic diagrams, fluid power
diagrams, industrial control systems diagrams, part and assembly drawings,
etc.
To create basic flowcharts, cross-functional flowcharts, work flow diagrams,
etc.
To create basic diagrams and block diagrams.
To create two-dimensional or three-dimensional directional maps, floor plans,
home plans, office layouts, space plans, etc.
To create Active Directory diagrams, basic and detailed network diagrams,
rack diagrams, etc.
To track project details with calendars, timelines, Gantt charts, and PERT
charts.
To create conceptual diagrams of websites, data flow diagrams, database
model diagrams, website maps, etc.

Engineering

Flowchart
General
Maps and
Floor Plans
Network
Schedule
Software and
Database

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

After selecting the desired template and clicking the Create button, Visio creates a new drawing
and opens it in the program window. The Visio 2010 program window is designed to help you
quickly find the tools that you need to complete a task (see Figure 3 and Table 2).

Figure 3 Visio 2010 Program Window

Table 2 Visio 2010 Program Window Elements

Element

Description

Title bar

Displays the name of the drawing and the program. The Minimize, Restore
Down/Maximize, and Close buttons at the right end of the Title bar are used to
control the program window.
Contains frequently used commands that are independent of the tab displayed
on the Ribbon.
Consists of a set of tabs, each of which contains groups of related commands.
The Home tab contains commands that are used most often; the other tabs
contain commands that are used for special purposes.
Contains one or more stencils, each represented by a title bar containing the
name of the stencil. Stencils hold collections of shapes. Click a stencils title
bar to see the shapes in that stencil.
Displays all or part of the current drawing page. The page controls located at
the bottom of the drawing window can be used to navigate from one page to
another within the drawing.
Contains tools to help you move more efficiently within and between your
diagrams.

Quick Access
toolbar
Ribbon

Shapes pane

Drawing
window
Status bar

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

Using Page Setup

The Page Setup dialog box is used to customize printed drawings. It is helpful to customize the
printer paper size and the drawing page before starting the drawing in order to better arrange the
space. The Print Setup and Page Size tabs of the dialog box are explained in detail in the
following sections.

Using the Print Setup Tab

The Print Setup tab provides several settings that you can adjust, such as the printer paper size
and orientation. Gridlines can be chosen to print when measurements are important in the
drawing. The Print zoom section enables you to reduce or enlarge the printed size of the drawing.
To change the paper orientation and the printed size of a drawing:
1. Click the File tab on the Ribbon, and then click Open in the left pane.
2. In the Open dialog box, navigate to the folder that contains the sample data files, select
the print.vsd file, and then click the Open button.
3. On the Design tab of the Ribbon, click the dialog box launcher in the Page Setup
group. The Page Setup dialog box opens.
4. Click the Print Setup tab, if necessary (see Figure 4).
5. Under Printer paper, select the Landscape option.
6. Under Print zoom, click the Adjust to arrow
and select 50% from the list.
7. Under Print, select the Gridlines check box.
8. Click the OK button.

Figure 4 Page Setup Dialog Box: Print Setup Tab

Using the Page Size Tab

The Page Size tab allows you to adjust the page size and set the page orientation to either portrait
or landscape for the drawing.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

To change the page size and orientation:

1. On the Design tab of the Ribbon, click the dialog box launcher
group. The Page Setup dialog box opens.
2. Click the Page Size tab (see Figure 5).
3. Under Page size, select the Pre-defined size option.
4. Under Page orientation, select the Landscape option.
5. Click the OK button.

in the Page Setup

Figure 5 Page Setup Dialog Box: Page Size Tab

Using Basic Drawing Skills

Visio allows users to create a drawing in several ways, including using a wizard which provides
guidance for creating a drawing. The easiest way to create a drawing is to select a template from
one of the template categories.

Adding Shapes to Drawings

You can add a shape to a drawing by simply dragging the desired shape from the Shapes pane
onto the drawing page.
To add a shape to a drawing:
1. Click the File tab on the Ribbon, and then click New in the left pane. Thumbnails of the
recently used templates and template categories display in the center pane.
2. In the Template Categories section, click the General category. Thumbnails of all the
templates in the selected category display in the center pane (see Figure 6).
3. In the center pane, click the Basic Diagram template. A description and larger preview
of the selected template appear in the right pane.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

Figure 6 Backstage View Displaying Templates in the General Category

4. In the right pane, select the US Units option, and then click the Create button. The
drawing page displays.
5. In the Shapes pane, select the Basic Shapes (US units) stencil, if necessary.
6. Drag the Square shape
from the stencil onto the drawing page (see Figure 7).

Figure 7 Square Shape Added to the Drawing Page

Saving New Drawings

When you save a drawing for the first time, the Save As dialog box opens, allowing you to
specify a file name and location. By default, Visio 2010 drawings are saved in the Drawing
format which has the .vsd file extension.
Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

To save a new drawing:

1. Click the Save button
on the Quick Access toolbar. The Save As dialog box opens.
2. Select a location to save the file.
3. In the File name box, type a name for the file.
NOTE: File names cannot contain the following characters: forward slash (/), backslash (\),
greater than sign (>), less than sign (<), asterisk (*), question mark (?), quotation mark ("), pipe
symbol (|), and colon (:).

4. Click the Save button.

NOTE: After you save a drawing for the first time, you can save changes simply by clicking the
Save button on the Quick Access toolbar.

Adding and Deleting Pages

When a new drawing is created, Visio provides only one page. You can add or remove as many
pages as desired. When you add a page, it uses the attributes of the page currently displayed.
To add a page to the drawing:
1. Right-click the Page-1 tab at the bottom of the drawing window, and then click Insert.
The Page Setup dialog box opens (see Figure 8).
2. On the Page Properties tab, next to Type, select the Foreground option.
3. In the Name box, type a new name or leave the default name.
4. Click the OK button.

Figure 8 Page Setup Dialog Box: Page Properties Tab

To delete a page from the drawing:

1. At the bottom of the drawing window, right-click the page tab of the page you want to
delete, and then click Delete.

Working with Shapes

Shapes are the building blocks of your diagram. Shapes are stored in stencils. To create
drawings, you can either use the shapes that Visio provides or create your own shapes.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

10

Selecting Shapes
You can select a shape in a Visio drawing by clicking once on the shape. To select a filled shape,
click inside the shape; to select an unfilled shape, click the border of the shape. When you select
a shape, a blue selection box with handles appears around the shape.
You can select multiple shapes by holding down the Shift key while clicking additional shapes.
To select all the shapes on the drawing page, press the Ctrl+A key combination. When you select
multiple shapes, a blue selection box with handles appears around the shapes and magenta lines
appear around the individual shapes (see Figure 9).

Figure 9 Multiple Shapes Selected on the Drawing Page

To select multiple shapes:

1. Open the shape.vsd file.
2. Click the Square shape
at the bottom of the drawing page, and then hold down the
Shift key and click the Star shape
at the top of the drawing page.
NOTE: To deselect one of the selected shapes, hold down the Shift key and click the shape that
you want to remove from the selection. To deselect all shapes, click in a blank area of the
drawing page or press the Esc key.

Moving Shapes
You can move a shape in a Visio drawing by dragging the shape to the desired position. To
constrain the movement of the shape to vertical or horizontal, hold down the Shift key while you
drag the shape. The arrow keys on the keyboard allow you to move a shape in small increments.
To move a shape:
1. Drag the Triangle shape
to a position approximately one inch above the Square
shape .
2. Hold down the Shift key and drag the Triangle shape horizontally one inch to the left.
3. Press the Down Arrow and Right Arrow keys as necessary to position the Triangle
shape on top of the Square shape.
4. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.
Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

11

Resizing Shapes
You can use the selection handles on a selected shape to resize it. Dragging the selection
handles in the center of each edge alter the width or height of the shape. Dragging the selection
handles on the corners adjust the width and height proportionally.
NOTE: The width and height of a selected shape appear on the Status bar at the bottom of the program
window. This information is useful if you need to resize a shape to a specific size.

To resize a shape:
1. Click the Star shape
to select it.
2. Drag one of the corner handles until the Star shape is approximately 1/2 inch high by
1/2 inch wide.
3. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

Rotating Shapes
You can use the rotation handle on a selected shape to rotate it. When you point to the rotation
handle, the mouse pointer changes to a curved arrow .
NOTE: The rotation angle of a selected shape appears on the Status bar at the bottom of the program
window. This information is useful if you need to rotate several shapes to the same angle.

To rotate a shape:
1. Click the Triangle shape
to select it.
2. Drag the rotation handle to the left until a 45 degree angle is reached.
3. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

Copying and Pasting Shapes

You can use the Copy and Paste features of Visio to duplicate shapes. The Copy feature is
similar to the Cut feature, except that the Copy feature does not remove the shape from the
original location.
To copy and paste a shape:
1. Click the Star shape

to select it.

2. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Clipboard group, click the Copy button

3. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Clipboard group, click the Paste button
copy of the selected shape is placed on the drawing page.
4. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

.A

Deleting Shapes
To delete a shape, it must first be selected. Shapes can be deleted one at a time or several at once.
If a shape is selected, the entire shape and any text contained within the shape will be deleted.
However, if only the text within a shape is selected, then only the selected text will be deleted.
To delete a shape:
1. Click the Star shape
2. Press the Delete key.

to select it.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

12

Working with Text

Visio allows users to enhance drawings by adding text to shapes as well as in blank areas of a
drawing page. All text in a Visio drawing is contained in a text block.

Adding Text to Shapes

All Visio shapes contain text blocks by default. To add text to a shape, you simply double-click
the shape and start typing. Visio automatically expands the width of the text block as text is
added. You can press the Enter key at any time to begin a new line of text. When you move a
shape with text, the text block automatically moves with it.
To add text to a shape:
1. Open the party1.vsd file.
2. Double-click the Road shape next to the building in the lower-right area of the drawing
page.
3. Type Main, press the Enter key, and then type Avenue (see Figure 10).
4. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the text block.

Figure 10 Text Added to a Shape

Adding Text to Pages

You can use the Text feature to add text to a Visio drawing that is independent of any shapes (see
Figure 11). For example, you can create a text block to use as a page title. To add text to a page,
either click where you want to add the text and begin typing, or drag to create a text block first,
and then begin typing. The text automatically wraps when it reaches the end of the text block
area.

Figure 11 Text Added to a Page

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

13

To add text to a page:

1. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Text button
.
2. In the upper-right area of the drawing page, drag to create a text block that is
approximately four inches wide by one inch high.
3. Type Directions to Cathys Party, press the Enter key, and then type Starts at 4:00
PM (see Figure 11).
4. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Pointer Tool button
exit text edit mode.

to

NOTE: If you need to make any changes to the text, double-click the text to enter edit mode,
make the desired changes, and then click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the text
block.

Connecting Shapes
In Visio, connectors are used to connect shapes to each other (see Figure 12). Connectors can be
lines, arcs, arrows, hubs, cables, etc. These are used to reflect items such as a path in a process, a
relationship between shapes, or a hierarchy. Connectors can be created using the Connector tool
or AutoConnect.

Figure 12 Connected Shapes

Using the Connector Tool

One of the most flexible ways to add and glue a connector is to draw it by using the Connector
tool. This tool allows you to create a point-to-point or shape-to-shape connection between two
shapes. With a point-to-point connection, the connector stays glued to the same connection
points when either one of the shapes is moved. With a shape-to-shape connection, the connector
stays glued to each shape by moving to the closest available connection points when either one
of the shapes is moved.
To create a point-to-point connection:
1. Open the hire.vsd file.
2. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Connector button
.
3. In the first row of shapes, drag from the right connection point on the first Process
shape
to the left connection point on the Document shape
(see Figure 13).
4. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Pointer Tool button
.
5. Drag the Process shape to a new location on the drawing page. Notice that the connector
stays glued to the same connection points.
6. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

14

Figure 13 Point-to-point Connection Using the Connector Tool

To create shape-to-shape connection:

1. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Connector button
.
2. Point to the center of the Decision shape
in the first row until a red box appears
around the shape, and then drag to the center of the Process shape
in the third row.
When a red box appears around the Process shape, release the mouse button (see Figure
14).
3. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Pointer Tool button
.
4. Drag the Decision shape to a new location on the drawing page. Notice that the connector
stays glued to each shape by moving to the closest available connection points.
5. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

Figure 14 Shape-to-shape Connection Using the Connector Tool

Using AutoConnect
The quickest way to add and glue a connector to two shapes is to use AutoConnect. It allows you
to connect shapes as you drag them from a stencil onto the drawing page or to connect shapes
that are already on the page. AutoConnect can be used to create a point-to-point or shape-toshape connection between two shapes.
Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

15

To connect shapes that are already on the page:

1. Point to the Document shape
in the third row. AutoConnect arrows appear on each
side of the shape.
2. Point to the right AutoConnect arrow on the Document shape until a Mini toolbar and
a connector appear, and then click the arrow to connect the Document shape to the
Decision shape
to the right of it (see Figure 15).

Figure 15 Shape-to-shape Connection Using AutoConnect

To connect shapes by dragging them onto the drawing page:

1. In the Shapes pane, select the Basic Flowchart Shapes (US units) stencil, if necessary.
2. Drag the Process shape
from the stencil onto the drawing page, position it over the
bottom AutoConnect arrow of the Document shape
in the third row, and then
release the mouse button (see Figure 16). The shape is added to the drawing page, and a
connector is added and glued to both shapes.

Figure 16 Shape-to-shape Connection by Dragging Shapes

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

16

Grouping Shapes
In Visio, shapes can be grouped together and treated as a single unit. This feature is useful when
you want to move, resize, flip, or rotate several shapes at once.

Grouping and Ungrouping Shapes

Grouping allows you to move several shapes to a different location while preserving the
alignment and spacing between each shape. If you need to make changes to individual shapes in
a group, you can ungroup the shapes.
To group shapes:
1. Open the group.vsd file.
2. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Tools group, click the Pointer Tool button
.
3. In the upper-left area of the drawing page, hold down the Shift key and click to select the
Room shape, the round table and six chairs of the Mutli-chair round table shape, and
the three Small plant shapes (see Figure 17).

Figure 17 Shapes Selected for Grouping

4. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Arrange group, click the Group button
,
and then click Group on the menu.
5. Drag the group to a new location on the page. Notice that all the shapes in the group
move together.
To ungroup shapes:
1. In the lower-right area of the drawing page, click to select the group consisting of four
Corner surface shapes (see Figure 17).
2. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Arrange group, click the Group button
,
and then click Ungroup on the menu. Each Corner surface shapes can now be moved
individually.
3. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shapes.
Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

17

Adding Shapes to Groups

Visio allows you to add additional shapes to an existing group.
To add a shape to a group:
1. In the Shapes pane, select the Office Accessories (US units) stencil, if necessary.
2. Drag the Plant shape
from the stencil to the center of the group in the upper-left area
of the drawing page.
3. Click the group in the upper-left area of the drawing page, hold down the Shift key, and
then click the Plant shape.
4. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Arrange group, click the Group button
,
and then click Add to Group on the menu. The Plant shape is now part of the group.
5. Drag the group to a new location on the page. Notice that the Plant shape moves with the
group.
6. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the group.

Removing Shapes from Groups

If needed, you can remove a shape from a group.
To remove a shape from a group:
1. Click the group in the upper-left area of the drawing page.
2. Click the Plant shape

located in the center of the group.

3. On the Home tab of the Ribbon, in the Arrange group, click the Group button
,
and then click Remove from Group on the menu. The Plant shape is no longer part of
the group.
4. Drag the Plant shape to a new location on the page. Notice that the Plant shape moves
independently from the group.
5. Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shape.

Printing Drawings
Visio allows you to print the entire drawing or just a part of the drawing. Before printing a
drawing, you can preview it to see how each page will look when printed.

Previewing Drawings
The best way to save time and paper is to preview how a drawing will print before you actually
print it.
To preview a drawing:
1. Open the party2.vsd file.
2. Click the File tab on the Ribbon, click Print in the left pane, and then click Print
Preview in the right pane. The Print Preview window opens (see Figure 18).
3. On the Print Preview tab, in the Preview group, do the following:
Click the Next Tile button

to preview the next page.

Click the Previous Tile button

to preview the previous page.
4. On the Print Preview tab, in the Close group, click the Close Print Preview button

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

18

Figure 18 Print Preview Window

Printing Parts of Drawings

Visio allows you to print a portion of a drawing. For example, if a drawing contains many
shapes, you can select only the shapes you want to print.
To print a part of a drawing:
1. Click the House shape

2.
3.
4.
5.

in the upper-left area of the drawing page, hold down the

Shift key, and then click the ABC Store shape

in the lower-right area of the
drawing page.
Click the File tab on the Ribbon, click Print in the left pane, and then click Print in the
right pane. The Print dialog box opens.
In the Page range section, select the Selection option.
Click the OK button.
Click in a blank area of the drawing page to deselect the shapes.

Closing Drawings
When you finish working on a drawing, you should close the file. If the drawing contains any
unsaved changes, you will be prompted to save the file before closing it.
To close a drawing:
1. Click the File tab on the Ribbon, and then click Close in the left pane.

Getting Help
You can use the Visio Help system to get assistance on any Visio topic or task. This system is a
combination of tools and files that were stored on your computer when Visio 2010 was installed.
If your computer is connected to the Internet, you can also access resources from Office.com.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

19

To get help:
1. Click the Microsoft Visio Help button
on the right side of the Ribbon. Or, press the
F1 key. The Visio Help window opens, displaying a list of general help topics (see
Figure 19).
NOTE: You can also click the Help button
in the lower-left corner of an open dialog box to
display topics related to the functions of that dialog box in the Visio Help window.

2. Click any topic to display the corresponding information.

Figure 19 Visio Help Window

3. To find help on a specific topic, type a word or phrase related to the topic in the Search
box, and then press the Enter key. The search results display in the window.
4. To switch between online and offline help, click the button in the lower-right corner of
the window to display the Connection Status menu, and then click Show content from
Office.com or Show content only from this computer (see Figure 20).

Figure 20 Connection Status Menu

5. To close the Visio Help window, click the Close button

the window.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

in the upper-right corner of

20

Exiting Visio
When you finish using Visio 2010, you should exit the program to free up system resources.
To exit Visio 2010:
1. Click the File tab on the Ribbon, and then click Exit in the left pane. Or, click the Close
button
in the upper-right corner of the program window.

Microsoft Visio 2010: Creating a Process Map

21