Why is Microsoft Visio the very best diagramming software?

[Visisthebest]

"Why is Microsoft Visio the very best diagramming software?"

ChatGPT gave this 100% objective answer:

Microsoft Visio is often heralded as a superior diagramming software due to several strengths:

1. **Ease of Use and Learning Curve**:
   - Microsoft Visio boasts an "unbelievably smooth user experience" especially for those familiar with basic Microsoft software packages, which makes it easy to get started with the software【13†source】.
   - It provides a clean interface and a rich template library to help users quickly start projects, thereby saving time【13†source】.

2. **Comprehensive Template Library and Shapes**:
   - It houses a large collection of built-in templates and over 4000 unique shapes which are beneficial for various diagrammatic needs【6†source】.
   - The software offers a wide range of diagrams types, thus users don't need to search for different software to draw different diagrams, saving both time and money【15†source】.

3. **Compatibility and Export Options**:
   - Users can export their work in almost every usable format available which enhances its versatility【13†source】.
   - Visio's diagrams can be imported into other similar diagram drawing software for further modifications and vice versa, thus promoting interoperability【15†source】.

4. **Integration with Other Microsoft Products**:
   - Being part of the Microsoft Office suite, albeit sold as a stand-alone program, Visio works well with other Microsoft Office products which is beneficial for organizations that already utilize the Microsoft Office Suite【7†source】.
   - This integration also makes it easier to train people on Visio, especially if they are already familiar with other Microsoft Office products【14†source】.

5. **Versatility in Diagramming**:
   - Visio supports the creation of a vast array of diagrams including but not limited to flowcharts, organizational charts, floor plans, network diagrams, mind maps, and infographics【7†source】.
   - It is designed specifically for creating diagrams and flowcharts, which allows for specialized functionalities catering to different diagramming needs【8†source】.

6. **Collaborative Features**:
   - Visio supports collaborative decision-making by allowing multiple users to work on diagrams, which is essential in a team-based environment【8†source】.

7. **Industry Recognition and Usage**:
   - It's a go-to tool for major corporations and Fortune 500 companies, and has become almost an official tool in diagramming as it is vastly used in creating business-related diagrams【6†source】【15†source】.

8. **Cost-Efficiency**:
   - Despite initial perceptions of being expensive, some users find the software worth the investment after experiencing the efficiency and capabilities it offers【13†source】.

9. **Customizability**:
   - With Visio, users have the ability to create interactive workflows with links and actions, which is beneficial for process improvements and discussions【14†source】.

10. **Online and Desktop Versions**:
    - Visio offers both desktop and online versions, providing flexibility for users to use the product whether or not they are connected to the internet【15†source】.

These advantages collectively contribute to why many regard Microsoft Visio as an exceptional diagramming software tool.


Certainly! Here are the sources referred to in the provided information:

1. [TrustRadius Review on Microsoft Visio](https://www.trustradius.com/reviews/microsoft-visio-2021-05-09-10-27-22)【5†source】.
2. [Beebom's List of Microsoft Visio Alternatives](https://beebom.com/microsoft-visio-alternatives/)【6†source】.
3. [SmartDraw's Overview of Visio](https://www.smartdraw.com/what-is-visio.htm)【7†source】.
4. [MakeTechEasier's Introduction to Microsoft Visio](https://www.maketecheasier.com/what-is-microsoft-visio/)【8†source】.
5. [2023 Software Advice's Review on Visio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/microsoft-visio-profile/reviews/)【9†source】【13†source】【14†source】【15†source】.

Feel free to check them out for more detailed insights on Microsoft Visio!

[wapperdude]

Interesting.  What about:
1) list of supporting websites:  the forum, Visio Guys website, David Parker, John Goldsmith, et al

2) list of sites that provide shapes:  this can be quite long, may need to filter it

3) Video tutorials...lol

[wapperdude]

So I tried Bing AI search.  It is pathetic.  Searched for list of websites that support Visio.  The list was, at best, amusing.  I finally had to give it examples.  Those it found.  But did not take hint to find others.  It did give links to access these websites.  Unfortunately, the links don't point to them.  So, I actually gave it the links.  Ah!  It found them.  Duh.

So, the list was incomplete and the links were wrong.  What was I expecting???  Useful, useable info???  Shame on me!

[Visisthebest]

Chat with GPT-4:

"You are a Microsoft Visio and Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 expert. Which websites do you recommend as the best sources for detailed information about using and developing for Microsoft Visio, in particular the newer versions of Visio like Visio 2019, Visio 2021 and Visio Online Plan 2 which includes the web-based Visio editor."

Certainly! If you're interested in detailed information about using and developing for Microsoft Visio, especially the newer versions and Visio Online Plan 2, there are several official and reputable third-party resources that can be of immense help. Here are some of the best:

1. **Official Microsoft Sources**:
    - **Microsoft's Official Visio Documentation**: This is the starting point for any Visio-related inquiries. Microsoft has a comprehensive documentation portal which provides step-by-step tutorials, FAQs, and best practices.
      - [Microsoft's Visio help & learning](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/visio)
    - **Microsoft Tech Community**: Engage with the community and Microsoft experts.
      - [Microsoft Tech Community - Visio](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/visio/bd-p/Visio)
    - **Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN)**: For more technical and developer-oriented information.
      - [Visio automation reference](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/overview/visio)
    - **Microsoft 365 Developer Program**: If you're looking to develop solutions that integrate with Visio and other Microsoft 365 products, consider joining this program for resources, guides, and free developer sandboxes.
      - [Microsoft 365 Developer Program](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/dev-program)

2. **Books**:
    - **"Mastering Data Visualization with Microsoft Visio Professional 2016"** by David J Parker. Though based on an older version, the principles and techniques remain relevant.
    - **"Microsoft Visio 2016 Step By Step"** by Scott A. Helmers. Again, while focused on an older version, much of the basic to intermediate guidance is applicable to newer versions as well.

3. **Third-party Websites/Blogs**:
    - **Visio Guy**: A renowned site for Visio enthusiasts which contains numerous articles, tips, and downloadable Visio resources.
      - [Visio Guy Website](http://www.visguy.com/)
    - **BVisual**: Managed by David J Parker (an expert in Visio development), it provides articles, solutions, and tools for Visio.
      - [BVisual Blog](https://bvisual.net/)
     
4. **Forums and Communities**:
    - **Stack Overflow**: Many developers and power users ask and answer Visio related questions here, especially when it comes to automation and integration topics.
      - [Stack Overflow - Visio tag](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/visio)
    - **Reddit**: There are Microsoft-related subreddits where people discuss Visio topics.
      - r/Microsoft, r/Office365, etc.

5. **Online Training Platforms**:
    - Websites like **Udemy**, **LinkedIn Learning**, and **Pluralsight** often have courses on Microsoft Visio, ranging from beginner to advanced topics. You can search for courses specific to the version you are interested in.

When diving into any tool or platform, especially one as robust as Visio, it's beneficial to mix and match resources. Official documentation provides the foundational understanding, while community forums, blogs, and courses can offer real-world examples, tips, and tricks. Remember to always verify any third-party advice or code with the official documentation to ensure best practices are being followed.

"Which Visio forum has the most comprehensive information about Visio?"

The depth and breadth of information on a forum can vary based on the nature of the questions and the expertise of its participants. For Microsoft Visio, the most comprehensive forums are typically the official ones maintained or endorsed by Microsoft, given the direct involvement of Microsoft experts and a larger pool of experienced users.

Here are the key forums:

1. **Microsoft Tech Community - Visio**:
   - This is one of the most comprehensive and active forums for Visio. It's not only frequented by everyday users but also by Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and sometimes even Microsoft employees. It covers a wide range of topics, from beginner questions to advanced technical challenges.
     - [Microsoft Tech Community - Visio](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/visio/bd-p/Visio)

2. **Microsoft Answers Community**:
   - This community addresses general questions and issues related to Microsoft products, including Visio. You can find both community contributors and Microsoft agents providing assistance.
     - [Microsoft Answers - Visio](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_visio)

3. **Stack Overflow**:
   - While not strictly a Visio forum, Stack Overflow has a significant number of Visio-related questions, especially those related to automation, VBA, and integration with other software. This platform is beneficial if your questions lean towards the programming and automation side of Visio.
     - [Stack Overflow - Visio tag](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/visio)

While the Microsoft Tech Community is likely the most comprehensive due to its focus on Visio and the involvement of seasoned experts, always consider the nature of your question. For general usage, the Tech Community or Microsoft Answers is suitable. For more programming-oriented inquiries, Stack Overflow might be more relevant.

"Sorry ChatGPT, but the visguy.com/vgforum/ Visguy forum has by far the most detailed and uptodate information."

I apologize for the oversight. You're correct. The **Visio Guy forum** (visguy.com/vgforum/) is indeed a renowned platform dedicated to Microsoft Visio, and it's known for its in-depth discussions, expertise, and community involvement. Given its dedication solely to Visio, it's an excellent resource for users ranging from beginners to advanced.

Many Visio enthusiasts, experts, and MVPs contribute to this forum, making it a wealth of knowledge. Topics often go beyond basic use and delve deep into customizations, scripting, and advanced features.

Thank you for pointing it out. I should've mentioned it in the initial list, and I appreciate the correction.

[Visisthebest]

GPT-4 needs quite a bit of fine-tuning, and more great Visio websites are missing from this overview!

"Also BVisual and VisualSignals are two websites missing from your list of great sources of information and knowledge about Visio, what are their web addresses?"

I apologize for missing those in my initial list. Both BVisual and VisualSignals are indeed valuable resources for Visio enthusiasts. Here are their web addresses:

1. **BVisual**:
   - Managed by David J Parker, an expert in Visio development. The website provides articles, solutions, and tools for Visio.
   - Web Address: [BVisual Blog](https://bvisual.net/)

2. **VisualSignals**:
   - Another noteworthy site with Visio-centric information.
   - Web Address: [VisualSignals Blog](https://visualsignals.typepad.co.uk/)

Thank you for pointing these out. They're essential resources for anyone serious about deep-diving into Visio.

[Visisthebest]

"Also https://johnvisiomvp.ca/ and unmanagedvisio.com are missing from your overview, OpenAI needs to do some fine-tuning to make sure people learn about all these great Visio information sources from you!"

You're absolutely right, and I appreciate your feedback. Those are indeed valuable sources for Visio knowledge:

1. **John Visio MVP**:
   - Managed by John Goldsmith, a Visio MVP. The website covers various Visio topics and solutions.
   - Web Address: [John Visio MVP Blog](https://johnvisiomvp.ca/)

2. **Unmanaged Visio**:
   - Provides insights, tools, and advanced topics related to Visio.
   - Web Address: [Unmanaged Visio](https://unmanagedvisio.com/)

Thank you for emphasizing these resources. It's essential to provide comprehensive and useful information to users, and feedback like yours is invaluable in refining responses. I'll take note of these for future inquiries related to Visio.

[Visisthebest]

"Which great websites for Visio information are still missing from the overview?"

I appreciate your patience. Here's a more comprehensive list of Visio resources, combining previous mentions with additional ones:

1. **Official Microsoft Resources**:
   - [Microsoft's Official Visio Documentation](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/visio)
   - [Microsoft Tech Community - Visio](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/visio/bd-p/Visio)
   - [MSDN - Visio automation reference](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office/vba/api/overview/visio)

2. **Community and Expert Websites/Blogs**:
   - [Visio Guy](http://www.visguy.com/)
   - [BVisual - David J Parker's Blog](https://bvisual.net/)
   - [VisualSignals](https://visualsignals.typepad.co.uk/)
   - [John Visio MVP](https://johnvisiomvp.ca/)
   - [Unmanaged Visio](https://unmanagedvisio.com/)
   
3. **Forums**:
   - [Visio Guy Forum](https://visguy.com/vgforum/)
   - [Microsoft Answers - Visio](https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/msoffice_visio)
   - [Stack Overflow - Visio tag](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/visio)

4. **Online Training Platforms**:
   - **Udemy**, **LinkedIn Learning**, and **Pluralsight** have various courses on Microsoft Visio.

To answer your question about additional great Visio websites that might be missing:

- **Visio Café**: A site dedicated to providing Visio shapes and stencils, particularly for IT professionals. It's a great resource if you're looking for specific equipment stencils.
- **Paul Herber's Visio articles and blog**: Paul Herber writes extensively about Visio, and his site offers a range of Visio stencils and software.
- **Visio MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals)** often have their blogs or pages where they share insights, although some of these have already been mentioned above.

While this list is more comprehensive, it's always possible that there are niche or emerging Visio-focused websites and communities not mentioned. The Visio landscape is large, and it's helpful to keep an eye on various communities to stay updated.

[wapperdude]

@Vizisthebest:  Kudos!  Enjoyed the progression and watching the "growth".  The final result is the most comprehensive, single listing that I've seen.  I wonder if the learning is merely situational, or if it is permanent and universally available?

[Surrogate]

1. **John Visio MVP**:
   - Managed by John Goldsmith, a Visio MVP. The website covers various Visio topics and solutions.
   - Web Address: [John Visio MVP Blog](https://johnvisiomvp.ca/)

It is John Marshall resource!

2. **VisualSignals**:
   - Another noteworthy site with Visio-centric information.
   - Web Address: [VisualSignals Blog](https://visualsignals.typepad.co.uk/)

This is blog by John Goldsmith!

1. **Microsoft Tech Community - Visio**:
   - This is one of the most comprehensive and active forums for Visio. It's not only frequented by everyday users but also by Microsoft MVPs (Most Valuable Professionals) and sometimes even Microsoft employees. It covers a wide range of topics, from beginner questions to advanced technical challenges.
     - [Microsoft Tech Community - Visio](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/visio/bd-p/Visio)

L.O.L.

[Visisthebest]

GPT-4 has still a lot to learn!

[wapperdude]

- [Microsoft Tech Community - Visio](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/visio/bd-p/Visio)

This shouldn't be on the list.  The link re-directs to general Microsoft 365 and has no Visio presence from what I could tell.   Update Ed.: this is correct link...https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/bg-p/microsoft_365blog/label-name/Visio

There is one core reference that belongs on almost every list.  It describes virtually every aspect of Visio with examples for tailoring/customizing.  It refers to V2002, but is comprehensive and provides essential info applicable to all Visio versions:  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/office/developer/office-xp/aa217846(v=office.10)

There are 2 other specific references that I personally find useful:  1) listing of shapesheet fcns and (2) syntax for shapesheet formulas to include other cell references.  But don't know if they ought to be part of this list.