What is Microsoft Visio?
Microsoft Visio is a popular graphs and vector graphics software tool used by many businesses and organizations. First released in 1992, Visio enables users to create a wide variety of visualizations including flowcharts, network graphs, workflows, organizational charts, building plans, and more. It uses a drag-and-drop interface with customizable templates and shapes to simplify the graphming process.
Key features of Visio include data-linking capabilities to visualize information from external sources, robust formatting options to customize graphs, the ability to share and collaborate on diagrams, and integration with Microsoft Office suite products. An OLE database allows embedding of Visio charts in other Microsoft files.
Visio is available in various editions for personal, professional, and enterprise use. While more advanced than general office software for diagramming, Visio is easier and more intuitive to use than traditional CAD programs. It remains one of the most popular applications for business and technical illustration and diagramming needs.
Technical characteristics
- Templates – Provides numerous pre-made templates for flowcharts, charts, maps, floorplans and more. Templates contain sample designs and custom stencils.
- Data Linking – Can link chart elements to external data sources, including Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint etc. Data-linked charts auto-update when source data changes.
- Custom Shapes – Extensive library of in-built shapes and stencils. Ability to create custom shapes and stencils.
Features
Advantages
- Powerful editing capabilities – Lots of tools to edit shapes, layouts, connections, fonts, colors and effects to create professional and visually appealing graphs.
- Reusable templates and stencils – Thousands of reusable templates and stencils available covering flowcharts, floor plans, create diagrams and flowcharts, engineering designs, and many other domains.
- Customizable – Ability to create new stencils, templates, shapes and add-ons to match specific requirements. VBA macros can automate repetitive tasks.
Disadvantages
- Steep learning curve – While Visio is easier to use than CAD software, it still has a learning curve. New users may find the large number of features overwhelming.
- Dependence on templates – Effective use requires choosing the right template. Customizing or creating new templates requires time and effort.
- Limited customizability – Although custom shapes and stencils can be added, there are restrictions on modifying existing shapes or core templates.
What’s new
- Data visualizer – New built-in capability to automatically visualize data from Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint etc as flowcharts, org charts, pivot charts etc.
- Improved data connectivity – Enhanced data linking and refresh capabilities with over 80 data sources including Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Access database etc.
- New templates – Dozens of new starter graphs and templates for Azure, business, engineering, software design and other domains.
System Requirements
- Windows 10 or 8.1
- 2 GHz or faster processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 4.0 GB disk space
How to download and install Microsoft Visio for Free
- Check System Requirements
Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for installing MS Visio free. Having at least 4GB RAM is recommended.
- Download Visio
Go to the Microsoft Visio product page and click the “Download Free Trial” button. This will download the Visio setup file.
- Install Visio
Once downloaded, run the Visio setup file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Visio on your computer.
How to use product
- Add Shapes – Drag and drop shapes from the Shapes window onto the canvas. Customize shape properties like color, text etc.
- Connect Shapes – Click and drag from one shape to another to connect them with connector lines. Customize line styles, arrows etc.
- Add Text and Graphics – Enhance your graph by adding text captions, notes, images and icons using the tools in the Insert tab.
Activation keys
- 5OB4R-16GOG-5IBSD
- QBTIM-61CN3-6O742
- F7A3B-PK3L7-EB6K8
- LTLJA-B8GG6-L8ESJ
- EFDS3-6ML65-NAJ4M
Program activation method Microsoft Visio Professional
- On the Activation screen, click on “Activate online now” if your computer has internet access.
- Enter your product key that came with your Visio purchase and click Next.
- Visio will communicate with Microsoft servers to activate your license.
- Once activation is successful, you will see a confirmation. Click Close.
Alternatives
- SmartDraw – Desktop app for flowcharts, org charts, mind maps and more. User-friendly with great templates. Lacks enterprise-level features.
- Draw.io – Free online graph software with open source options. Good for basic flowcharts and wireframes. Limited styling capabilities.
- OmniGraffle – Diagramming and illustration tool for Mac OS. Powerful with excellent design tools but Mac-only.
FAQ
A: Visio is diagramming software used to create flowcharts, network charts, floorplans, organization charts, process flows, and more. It helps visualize data, processes, systems, and concepts.
A: Key features include drag-and-drop shapes and templates, data linking to auto-update charts, customizable stencils and templates, collaboration tools, integration with Microsoft 365, and the ability to publish charts across platforms.
A: Visio is subscription-based, bundled with Microsoft 365 plans. It starts at $7/month for Visio Plan 1 and goes up to $32/month for Visio Plan 3. Visio Professional is a one-time purchase at $399. Team and enterprise pricing is also available.
Conclusion
Microsoft Visio is a powerful tool for creating charts and flowcharts. There are several versions of Visio available, including the free trial version and the professional version. To download Microsoft Visio, users need to have a Microsoft account and can access it through Microsoft Office 365.
One of the versions is Visio 2016, which offers a range of functionality and features. Users can also access Visio through a web app, allowing them to create charts and flowcharts directly in their browser. For more advanced features and capabilities, users can opt for Visio Plan 2, which is a subscription-based version of Visio.
Overall, Microsoft Visio provides a user-friendly interface and ample tools for creating visually appealing and informative charts and flowcharts.