Visio-Solution Publishing Tool-create template category in visio?

[shaskm]

I know it is possible to create template categories in Visio. My work wants me to create a category for company templates but I am not sure how to do it. Would someone be able to walk me through this or give me any clearer instructions? Thanks.

[Yacine]

What do you want to do with the categories? Can you explain more?

[Paul Herber]

Here is an example screenshot, it shows a template/stencil category "Bowtie diagrams" in the menu path.
HTH.

[shaskm]

How do I add the template file when it asks for a .msi file?

[Paul Herber]

You will need to create the .msi file initially. There are various ways to do this, the tool I use is Warsetup:
https://github.com/majorsilence/WarSetup-Fork

[Nikolay]

IMHO, WarSetup is a nightmare, honestly

Try my tool, it's better. Just uncheck the "Create Visio Addin" option, because you don't need it, then it will create ONLY Visio setup project.
It does support the categories, also has auto-complete...

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=NikolayBelyh.ExtendedVisioAddinProject

I've tried to build an online service to do that, not sure if it still works (you could try - ask if anything):
http://buildvisiosetup.azurewebsites.net/

Alternatively, you can use registry settings instead. Without ANY setup (keyword: Spotlight)
http://visguy.com/vgforum/index.php?topic=6053.0

[Paul Herber]

Thanks, Nikolay, I'll take another look.

[Nikolay]

I'm wondering how it's going to be with MSIX...  (note "X" at the end)
How soon are they gonna ditch MSI?

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/sgern/2018/06/15/msix-intro

https://windowsreport.com/msix-packaging-tool-microsoft-store

https://www.advancedinstaller.com/msix-windows-package.html

It seems to be almost there...
Yesterday I've downloaded the latest Windows 10 build (that includes MSIX)... Have a plan to check it out sometime soon   

[Paul Herber]

IMHO, WarSetup is a nightmare, honestly

Try my tool, it's better. Just uncheck the "Create Visio Addin" option, because you don't need it, then it will create ONLY Visio setup project.
It does support the categories, also has auto-complete...

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=NikolayBelyh.ExtendedVisioAddinProject

Hi Nikolay, the Setup Project section is all disabled. WixToolset is all installed.

[Nikolay]

Hi Paul, the second is screen should be disabled, that's okay (those are addin options)... The setup settings are on the last screen:
https://www.screencast.com/t/7P72jDnF5ByS

Could you please share the screenshot if it's not working.
Please mind It's not that I'm against WAR setup, I just find it lacking Visio features... And Visual Studio build integration

[Paul Herber]

Got it working, I had only installed WiX v3.11.1, so I also needed to install WiX v3.11.1.
Now your code shows the setup screen correctly. I shall give it a go.
Thanks, Nikolay.
P.S. There is a small mistake in your text.

"Adds project for the add-in. Nte taht ..."
I suspect you mean "Note that ..."

Also, in the Add-in project options, in the bit about Visio 2013 interop assemblies, the text cuts off after "... assemblies (Visio 2013) will be".

HTH

[Nikolay]

Got it working, I had only installed WiX v3.11.1, so I also needed to install WiX v3.11.1.

Hmm..  I don't really see the difference?   

Will fix the texts - thank you!

[Paul Herber]

Ah, no, I meant "WiX Toolset Visual Studio 2017 Extension".

[Paul Herber]

I think this whole topic should be in Deployment ... I shall move it.