Custom windows controls

[Eric Margheim]

I'd like to create a set of custom shapes that represent common window user
elements like the Windows XP Shape stencil. Our applications have a custom
look and feel.

I've messed around a bit trying to rework a few of the elements and I'm
struggling. I bought a book on Visio 2007 but haven't had a chance to
really dig into it yet.

Is this a big effort even for someone who is skilled at this? I'd like to
replace our current methodology for creating design documents which is Excel
or PaintShop with something more standard like Visio. This would allow more
people to quickly and conistently produce screen designs.

Are there consultants that do this type of work?

Thanks

Eric

[John Marshall, MVP]

Creating shapes is not really a difficult task, but make sure you have the
right book. Most of the current crop of books deals with how to use Visio,
not how to program or create shapes with Visio. "Developing Microsoft Visio
Solutions" is the normal starting point. It is available from Microsoft
Press and is also available online as part of MSDN
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa245244(office.10).aspx

The other good source for creating shapes are these newsgroups. If you are
unsure of a solution, post a question and we will point you in the right
direction. Getting familiar with the shapesheet and other Visio features may
seem a daunting task at first, but once you are familiar with designing
shapes, you quickly see other possibilities for expanding your shapes.

There are a number of us online who can help.

John... Visio MVP

Need stencils or ideas? http://visio.mvps.org/3rdparty.htm
Need VBA examples? http://visio.mvps.org/VBA.htm
Visio Wishlist http://visio.mvps.org/wish_list.htm

Post by Eric Margheim
I'd like to create a set of custom shapes that represent common window
user elements like the Windows XP Shape stencil. Our applications have a
custom look and feel.
I've messed around a bit trying to rework a few of the elements and I'm
struggling. I bought a book on Visio 2007 but haven't had a chance to
really dig into it yet.
Is this a big effort even for someone who is skilled at this? I'd like
to replace our current methodology for creating design documents which is
Excel or PaintShop with something more standard like Visio. This would
allow more people to quickly and conistently produce screen designs.
Are there consultants that do this type of work?
Thanks
Eric

[Eric Margheim]

Post by John Marshall, MVP
Creating shapes is not really a difficult task, but make sure you have the
right book. Most of the current crop of books deals with how to use Visio,
not how to program or create shapes with Visio. "Developing Microsoft
Visio Solutions" is the normal starting point. It is available from
Microsoft Press and is also available online as part of MSDN
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa245244(office.10).aspx
The other good source for creating shapes are these newsgroups. If you are
unsure of a solution, post a question and we will point you in the right
direction. Getting familiar with the shapesheet and other Visio features
may seem a daunting task at first, but once you are familiar with
designing shapes, you quickly see other possibilities for expanding your
shapes.
There are a number of us online who can help.
John... Visio MVP
Need stencils or ideas? http://visio.mvps.org/3rdparty.htm
Need VBA examples? http://visio.mvps.org/VBA.htm
Visio Wishlist http://visio.mvps.org/wish_list.htm

Thanks a bunch John. I have MSDN so I'll check out that article on
Monday.

[John Marshall, MVP]

You do not need an MSDN subscription to access the information. It is
available to anyone with an internet connection.

John... Visio MVP

Need stencils or ideas? http://visio.mvps.org/3rdparty.htm
Need VBA examples? http://visio.mvps.org/VBA.htm
Visio Wishlist http://visio.mvps.org/wish_list.htm

Post by Eric Margheim

Post by John Marshall, MVP
Creating shapes is not really a difficult task, but make sure you have
the right book. Most of the current crop of books deals with how to use
Visio, not how to program or create shapes with Visio. "Developing
Microsoft Visio Solutions" is the normal starting point. It is available
from Microsoft Press and is also available online as part of MSDN
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa245244(office.10).aspx
The other good source for creating shapes are these newsgroups. If you
are unsure of a solution, post a question and we will point you in the
right direction. Getting familiar with the shapesheet and other Visio
features may seem a daunting task at first, but once you are familiar
with designing shapes, you quickly see other possibilities for expanding
your shapes.
There are a number of us online who can help.
John... Visio MVP
Need stencils or ideas? http://visio.mvps.org/3rdparty.htm
Need VBA examples? http://visio.mvps.org/VBA.htm
Visio Wishlist http://visio.mvps.org/wish_list.htm

Thanks a bunch John. I have MSDN so I'll check out that article on
Monday.

[Eric Margheim]

Post by John Marshall, MVP
You do not need an MSDN subscription to access the information. It is
available to anyone with an internet connection.
John... Visio MVP

LOL. After I responded I realized what you were saying.