One of the most common items that we need to draw are VLANs and Layer 3 segment and there is many ways to create a useful shape. In this post, I want to look at creating a simple, but useful shape that is a single element, and thus easy to use.

Draw a simple line

The first step is to draw a simple line from left to right using the drawing tools.

Now right click on the line, and select the Format, Line (as shown)

What we really want is for this shape to look contained, so it needs some ends. So click on the Line Ends, Begin :

and repeat the same thing, selecting the same design elements for both ends. I use a open square box to leave lots of white space on the page (which makes your drawing more pleasant) and to save ink when printing. Now make the Line Ends a bit larger.

And now your will have the following shape:

Wrap up

Because this shape is a single element, and not a collection of other elements, it is easier to use and will be more flexible in most diagrams. Your connectors will stick to it, and it will bond to the Visio grid in a consistent manner.