User Defined shapes (2002-2003(?))

[BilasTasol]

Hi.

I have never used Visio, so bear with me if I use the incorrect terminology.

My son has a problem when creating a shape. He cannot get the attached text box to resize to the text entered by the user. Instead, the text word-wraps within a fixed-width box. Built-in shapes seem to do what he wants.

Is there a way to get text boxes for user-defined shapes to behave the same way as pre-defined shapes?

Thanks in advance,

Tony

[Andrew Lockton]

Are you trying to get the text to flow inside the shape so that it fills the shape completely or just remain inside the general (rectangular) shape associated with the shape?

I am assuming that it is the general rectangular shape since I don't know of a shape that follows the shape boundaries. If you are getting deep into designing custom shapes then you should investigate the ShapeSheet. I would first investigate the shapesheet of a shape that behaves the way you want - Select it and then choose Window > Show ShapeSheet. Scroll down until you find the sections titled 'Text Block Format' and 'Text Transform'.

My guess is that you need to replicate the Text Transform settings in your own shape. You can create/delete sections if you don't already have this section in your shape. This is done by right clicking in the ShapeSheet window and choosing View Sections.

Warning: The shapesheet can be very daunting on complex shapes with lots of smarts built in but it is fascinating to see how the things are put together.

[BilasTasol]

Andrew, thanks.

I will pass that on to my son. Hopefully it will help him achieve what he wants. I will post back if he has further queries.

Unfortunately, I am not able to follow your advice myself as I do not have Visio installed.

Tony.