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Bruce_Gettel
Copper Contributor
May 14, 2025

Visio Plan - Strange Issues

Hello All,

This is a bit convoluted so I'll try and keep this as succinct as possible.  Ask away if you need more info.

  • I have created a network rack elevation diagram in Visio
  • I used Visio stencils from several different manufacturers
  • I needed to edit some of the Visio shapes that I used.  I did this by
    • Right-clicking the shape
    • Under Group, clicking on "Open stencil name"
    • Clicking the shape and ungrouping it
    • Making my changes as needed
    • Ctrl-A to select every part of the shape
    • Grouping everything back together
    • Closing the shape
  • I save my work frequently, including immediately before closing the drawing or the application
  • To this point, everything works and looks as expected
  • But then:
    • If I close the file or close Visio, and reopen my drawing, 
      • Every shape I edited is messed up in one way or another
    • If I save the file as a DWG or DXF and open it in CAD
      • Entire shapes are missing, or
      • Elements or parts of shapes are missing
    • If I save the file as a PDF
      • 8 out of 10 times it's perfect, but
      • 2 out of 10 times it exhibits some of the issues described above

This is work-related and a few of us are mystified as to what is going on here.  My employer is an O365 shop and all of our software is licensed.  I am running all of the latest O365 updates.

I'm happy to provide additional info, screenshots, etc. so please just ask.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

BG

1 Reply

  • Try this:

     

    1. Check Shape Grouping Behavior
      • Instead of using Ctrl+A to select all parts, try selecting individual elements before grouping.
      • Ensure that grouped shapes retain their original properties after saving.
    2. Save as Visio XML Format (.VDX) Before Closing
      • Try saving your file as Visio XML (.VDX) before closing. This format preserves shape data better.
    3. Test in Safe Mode
      • Open Visio in Safe Mode (visio /safe) to check if add-ins or startup items are causing issues.

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