ShapeText Function across pages

[DazedNConfused]

Hi All,

I'm aware this is a basic request, but for the life of me, I can't get it to work.

I'm trying to set the value of a shape on each page the same as a shape on the first page (for version purposes). From what I've read, what should be an easy way is to use the ShapeText function (as per this post: http://visguy.com/vgforum/index.php?topic=5038.0;prev_next=prev#new)

To test, I created a new document (and didn't rename any sheets). I can get 1 shape to equal another on the first page by using: =SHAPETEXT(Process!TheText). However, I get an "error in formula" message when I try to add the page reference: =SHAPETEXT(Pages[Page-1]!Process!TheText). Needless to say, it doesn't work when I try it on page 2.

All the posts I can find show it should be very simple so don't know what's going wrong.

Appreciate your time...

[Paul Herber]

It's the shape reference you need to change, Visio uses Sheet references. In Visio 2010 onwards use the Developer -> Shape Name dialog, in earlier versions it is Format -> Special. Look at the ID field. Use that field as follows e.g. if the ID is 7:
=SHAPETEXT(Pages[Page-1]!Sheet.7!TheText)

[DazedNConfused]

Thanks Paul - that fixed it!

I come from a Excel VBA background, so the Sheet reference is a little confusing. Any good online articles you'd recommend for a fella to understand this better?

[Paul Herber]

I'd say this forum is the best place, just look at the many code examples.

[DazedNConfused]

Thanks Paul - will do.

If I could be so bold as to sneak in a related question... now that I've got the link working, I wanted to make it easier for my collegues to adjust (without playing with the formula).

So my idea was to add 'LinkedPage' and 'LinkedShapeID' as shape data. I then want to reference these fields in my ShapeText formula. Have played with various approaches, but clearly my lack of understanding of how formula work is not helping!

=EVALTEXT("SHAPETEXT(Pages[" & Prop.LinkedPage & "]!Sheet." & Prop.LinkedShapeID & "!TheText)")

This recreates the formula in string format, but EVALTEXT appears to be more for numeric calculations.

By the way, let me know if I should post this as a new topic... I just figured it flowed on from the earlier question.

Appreciate your time.

[DazedNConfused]

It would appear I have trouble letting things go...

So not sure if this is the best fix or a workaround. Added a working cell, to which I added:

=SETF(GetRef(Prop.ShapeText),"GUARD(TRIM(SHAPETEXT(Pages["&Prop.LinkedPage&"]!Sheet."&Prop.LinkedShapeID&"!TheText)))")

Appears to work. Always interested in improving so let me know if there's a better way (I figure there should be something that doesn't require a working cell.

[Nama]

It's the shape reference you need to change, Visio uses Sheet references. In Visio 2010 onwards use the Developer -> Shape Name dialog, in earlier versions it is Format -> Special. Look at the ID field. Use that field as follows e.g. if the ID is 7:
=SHAPETEXT(Pages[Page-1]!Sheet.7!TheText)

I've been trying everything to get this working, but when I attempt to enter the below into custom formula I just get "Error in formula" and everything is highlighted. Is there a change in the syntax in Visio 2013? I've verified the Page Name and Shape ID.

=SHAPETEXT(Pages[DM Fundraising Pt1]!Sheet.733!TheText)

I'm attempting to get the page number from another page for a printed reference rather than manually updating the page numbers when pages are added/removed/reordered. Is there a different way that I should pull that information?

[Surrogate]

Visio have local and universal names for shapes and pages
Name and NameU

russian interface	english interface

[Nama]

That was exactly it. Thank you so much!!