We're using Visio 2013 but the same problem existed in Visio 2010. We need to find a file format other than .bmp for our Visio projects. Currently we're inserting these images and linking them. We're using .bmp because that appears to be the only file format that displays the image on the page which we require for editing. The other formats insert an icon and we need to see the image. Is there another file format that will support our needs and also allow us to have a smaller file output? The output files with the .bmp images are huge.
Thank you in advance.
PNG
this might provide some insight into a discussion of bitmap vs. vector formats.
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/aboutgraphics/a/bitmapvector.htm
bitmap images (bmp, jpg, etc.) can (and often do) create huge files, vector diagrams are usually much more effective for saving information when working with tools like Visio (Visio is based on vector/geometry basics). Vector formats are also better when you want to resize a picture.
al
Thanks for this information however, this is not the solution. We are trying to insert the .png file as an object. We are NOT selecting "Display as icon" but Visio is misbehaving and inserting as icon! We need to see the image not the icon. :-\
Steps:
1) Insert > Object.
2) Select "Create from file" and "Link to file".
3) Select Ok.
4) File inserts on page as icon.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Assuming you were linking into Word (which is what I tested), did you also ensure that the 'display as icon' was not checked? I tested both ways and works fine on my system (in either case it's an ole issue with where you are pasting).
al
We are inserting the .png image from our image library into Visio 2013. Yes, the "Insert as icon" is unchecked and we still have an icon. You mentioned something about Word. I'm not sure what you are using Word for in your example, but we are not.
apologies, I thought you were attempting to put a visio drawing into something else.
al
If you insert an image that way, what is the (OLE)-Container-Program?
Why are you using Insert -> Object and not Insert -> Image (which is what I assumed you were using from your initial message)?
Apologies. I'm may not have been clear in my original post. The only way we know how to LINK an document is to use Insert > Object. We want to link because these images will be updated often and we don't have to keep updating them manually. According to the icon bubble help, this is the one purpose of using this feature. Is there another way to link that will allow us to see the image and NOT an icon?
What about creating automatically a BMP thumbnail of the orginal file and instead of keeping the original behaviour that opens the thumbnail, you would instead by macro open the original file?
We don't want to use .bmp files because they are huge.
I really believe this is a software bug. If I'm not selecting "Display as Icon" it should not do so, but it is. Very frustrating.
I also agree that this appears to be an issue with Visio, the recommendation then would be to open a formal ticket with MS. You should be aware thought that displaying a .BMP as an image rather than an icon is not going to change the size of the displayed file (a bitmap will remain a bitmap).
al
We don't want to use .bmp but that is the only file format that actually displays the image. We want to insert .png files but Visio does not support this. That is the basis of this issue.
according to this, .png files are supposed to be supportable as image imports
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/visio-help/file-formats-that-you-can-import-into-a-visio-drawing-HP085050844.aspx
al
Insert -> Image works fine for PNG files, but vbmichelle is using Insert -> Object.
Paul,
I understand. Part of it is in fact an issue that should be addressed in that if an object is inserted and 'display as icon' is unchecked, the object should be shown in it's native state. Part of it is a desire on Michelle's part to insert a graphic and not take the performance hit of the real object's size, which cannot be avoided. I have suggested that she take the 'display as icon' forward via a formal report (which may be billable).
tks,
Al
If you would be so kind as to try this and let me know what your results are, I'd deeply appreciate it.
This is what we are doing:
File > Insert > Object
-Select Create from file
-Select "Link to file"
-Select a .png image
-Verify that "Display as icon" is NOT selected
When we do these steps the object inserts but it inserts as an icon. >:(
Do you have a URL to report a bug to MS? If so, I'd really appreciate you forwarding to me.
Thank you.
the attached v2013 drawing has two embedded png drawings. The top one was created and saved with v2013 and inserted using the insert drawing. The bottom png drawing was created using MS Paint and saved. Before attempting to import it as an object (using paint - from file), I associated png files with paint. I also ran into the icon issue you have been having. To solve that I turned off two add-ins that were associated with Visio. Once the add-ins were disabled the png drawing came in just fine.
so there are two ways to skin this cat.
al
be aware that since the lower drawing is linked you'll probably get an error (since it's linked to my system)
Hi Al,
out of curiosity. Which Add-ins must be disabled?
I ask because I had the same idea yesterday evening and first associated Paint with PNG and like you in your first try I only got the Icon and below the Icon a text like "Filename" and in brackest sth. like "Command Shortcut".
I thought that this embedding of a picture like I would embed (or link) an Excel-Sheet, or Word-Doc is what's called OLE and I thought which "picture program" could be an OLE-Server and hoped maybe Paint. But was disappointed.
Jumpy,
I had two. One was a template that I was working on developing, the other was 3d Visioner which was throwing an occasional error when I tried the import. The version of 3d visioner I have is not supported on v2013, so it should not have been loaded (user error on my part). I suspect part of the issue was the default linking of png to Photoviewer rather than Paint (which is actually in the import object list).
This wasn't my first experience with add-ins interacting with strange results.
al