Visio Org Charts: using a custom stencil on imported data (database)

GeorgiaM-7355 0 Reputation points
2023-07-04T20:08:29.9066667+00:00

I am creating an organisation chart using data imported from a database. I also would like to use a custom stencil / custom shapes for my org chart. However, when I import the data into Visio, it uses the built in org chart shapes and will not change to the custom stencil. How do I use a custom stencil for my org chart when using imported data? Most online tutorials show the custom stencil using manually entering data. Thanks in advance for any help.

Visio
Visio
A family of Microsoft products used to create diagrams and vector graphics.
85 questions
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. AllenXu-MSFT 17,741 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-07-05T06:36:17.6166667+00:00

    Hi @GeorgiaM-7355,

    To use a custom stencil for an org chart created by importing data from a database, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Visio and create a new organizational chart.
    2. On the Organization Chart Shapes stencil, select the type of shape that matches the imported data. For example, if your imported data has details on employees, select the Employee shape.
    3. Right-click the selected shape, then click Data, and then click Define Shape Data.
    4. In the Define Shape Data dialog box, add the custom property fields that match the imported data. For example, if your imported data has fields for phone number and job title, add corresponding fields.
    5. Save the organization chart as a template, and then close it.
    6. Open the organization chart that you created by importing data from your database.
    7. On the File menu, click Shapes, and then click My Shapes.
    8. Open the stencil that contains your custom shapes, and drag the desired shape onto the imported shape.
    9. In the dialog box that appears, click Yes to convert to the custom shape.
    10. When prompted to map the imported data to the custom property fields, select the appropriate fields.

    After following these steps, you should be able to use your custom stencil on an organization chart created by importing data from a database.

    Please note that this method may not work in all cases, as compatibility may depend on the format of the imported data and the custom stencil being used.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.