The Problem
In a previous post, I covered how to create a shape that would create a type of 3D effect. You can read that article on Drawing a Background Shapehere.
It’s also worth looking at why you want to do this in “On the Art of Network Diagrams and Presentation” and see the full diagram we are trying to put together.
The problem with large shape on your diagram is that it keeps “getting in the way”. As you add other shapes it seems that you are always selecting the wrong element.
Shape Protection – Simple Method
The easiest way to solve the problem is to “lock” the shape that is in the background. Right click on the object and Format, Protection:
And you will have a list of options. I usually just select “All” and OK.
Just select OK for this.
And now when you select the object, the handles are grey (not green blocks) and you cannot move the shape.
This should make it easier to “draw over the top” of the background shapes.
Wrap up
There are better ways to do this, but this is a fast and easily explained solution and will work for most people.
If you have any suggestions or tips, don’t hesitate to send them in. I always have something to learn. Go to my contact page and send me some stuff.
Other posts in the series
- Colour Blindness, Network Diagrams and Reliability
- Designer or Engineer, Artist or Painter
- Network Diagrams: Rotating Text on a Line
- Network Diagrams: Tips for Printing from Visio
- Network Diagrams:Zones on a diagram with Visio shape union
- Network Diagrams: Drawing complex VLAN Networks with IP Addressing
- Network Diagrams: Drawing Freehand Curves (and then fixing them)
- Network Diagrams:Aligning Shapes
- Network Diagrams:Locking the Background Shape (This post)
- Network Diagrams: Labelling an VLAN/IP Segment
- Network Diagrams: VLANs and IP Subnets
- Network Diagrams: Drawing the Background Shape
- On the Art of Network Diagrams and Presentation
