Intro to Visio

Using Visio shapes

Your browser does not support video. Install Microsoft Silverlight, Adobe Flash Player, or Internet Explorer 9.

Try it!

Stencils are a collection of related shapes, which are the building blocks of all Visio diagrams.

Browse for shapes

  1. In the Shapes pane, select More Shapes.

  2. Point to a category to browse the stencils in that category.

  3. Select the stencil that contains the shapes you want.

  4. Select a blank area of the drawing page to close the menu.

  5. Select the name of a stencil to see it’s shapes.

Search for shapes

  1. In the search box, type in a keyword that describes the shape you want, and select the magnifying glass Search icon.

  2. Select Local to see shapes displayed and categorized by their Visio stencil title.

    Or select Online to see shapes available on the web.

Add shapes

  • Drag the shape you want from the stencil onto the drawing page.

Tip: To find out how to use a shape, point to it to display instructions.

Delete shapes

  • Select the shape and press Delete.

Want more?

Create a shape

Find more shapes and stencils

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.