What Is Microsoft Visio And How To Use It For Making Diagrams

Jade MoralesJul 28, 2022Review

Now that there are a lot of diagramming tools online, visualizing workflow, processes, and procedures is made simple and easy. Microsoft Visio is made just for these purposes. Marketers and businesses use this program in different fields around the globe. It has built its respect as one of the best visualization programs due to its impressive range of tools.

Aside from that, this program is also a part of the Microsoft Office family. Hence, the interface looks the same as Microsoft Word. That means if you have been using Word for a long time, it will be easy for you to navigate Microsoft Visio. If you are interested in this tool and wish to learn more about the tool, continue reading below.

Microsoft Visio Review

Part 1. Microsoft Visio Alternative: MindOnMap

Although Microsoft Visio is a well-known program, it does not mean it is the right fit for everyone. There are numerous Microsoft Visio alternatives that also deliver top-quality diagrams and help you visualize processes and data efficiently. MindOnMap is a good Microsoft Visio free substitute that is extremely-beginner friendly, offering great tools for creating professional diagrams and models.

Users may quickly draw mind maps, organizational graphs, structure outlines, tree charts, graphs, fishbone graphs, and so much more with enhanced format and subjects. In addition, you may share your work with anyone using the link on the map. This is a Microsoft Visio online alternative, so you will not have to download it. Moreover, the brain maps you are making are stored in the cloud. Having that said, it will not consume disk space on your computer.

Free Download

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Free Download

Secure Download

MindOnMap Interface

Part 2. Microsoft Visio Reviews

This outstanding tool deserves an in-depth review due to its excellent diagramming features. In line with this, let us explore more about the fantastic world of Microsoft Visio. You will know its introduction, features, pros, cons, platforms, price, etc. Hence, a review is a crucial way to improve these aspects. You will learn about them after the jump.

Brief Introduction About Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio offers the most versatile features for diagram creation, making it the industry-leading flowcharting and diagramming tool. With this tool, you can choose from a wide range of powerful templates or start from scratch. Beginners will surely benefit from these templates to make professional diagrams. What is more, it allows you to perform advanced actions.

Collaboration tools enable you and your team to work on one document as if you are working in the same room. It knows no devices and third-party messaging apps because you can communicate here at the same time. Aside from that, the user interface is entirely intuitive, making it suitable for beginners and amateurs. Equally important, it has a comprehensive collection of shapes and figures befitting every diagram and flowchart you are trying to portray.

MS Visio Interface

What Is Microsoft Visio Used For

We are moving forward with what is Microsoft Visio used for. This diagramming tool is best for visualizing processes, data, and workflow. This tool is beneficial when you are trying to create an illustration to improve the workflow in your organization. Aside from that, you seek to understand the data, relationships, and flow of a system. Hence, you create an illustration in a way that is easy to understand by many. You will be able to turn a piece of complex information into a simple way to understand using this software.

In short, Microsoft Visio is used for better comprehension of systems. It is primarily present in education and businesses. Thus, Microsoft Visio is for students as well. Whether trying to document or understand a process, the tool can handle it for you.

Pros and Cons

All in all, Microsoft Visio is for everyone who wishes to create a comprehensive illustration of a system or process. Yet to prevent biases and balance the review, we will look at the pros and cons of this diagramming tool.

PROS

  • Collaborate with others no matter their devices.
  • Templates for creating professional diagrams and flowcharts.
  • Link data to Excel workbooks, SQL Server databases, Access database, etc.
  • App integration is supported and connects projects to Microsoft products.
  • Inbuilt stencils, shapes, and objects to work on.
  • It offers a web version for online diagram creation.
  • Import images create brochures, 3D diagrams, etc.

CONS

  • It can be challenging to share maps in different organizations.
  • It lacks phone help or a live chat for technical support.
  • The program is expensive for a diagramming tool.

Plans and Pricing

You might be asking how much the Microsoft Visio costs. If you are a new user, you have several options. You can have two monthly plans and two permanent licenses.

The monthly subscriptions consist of Visio Plan 1 and Vision Plan 2. They are both based on a per-user model. These do not implement lock-in contracts, which means you are not obliged to renew your plan once it ends. Visio Plan 1 costs $5.oo per user every month if you pay the plan annually. An additional $1.00 with monthly payments. The inclusion comprises 2GB OneDrive storage with the ability to create simple diagrams.

Vision Plan 2 will cost you 15.00 per month if paid annually. With monthly payments, you will need to add $3.00, a total of $18.00. It lets you access the Visio desktop app and a vast selection of tools suitable for small to large businesses for creating advanced diagrams.

Visio Monthly Subscription

On the other hand, Microsoft Visio comes with two permanent licenses. The first is the Standard, and the other is Professional. Signing up for Visio Standard Visio 2019 costs $280 with access to basic features of the program. With it, you can use your desktop and touch-enabled devices to create diagrams without being deprived of the necessary tools.

The pricier version of the Microsoft Visio, the Visio Professional 2019, will cost you $530. This license offers advanced features, such as collaboration tools. Moreover, it is very appropriate for larger businesses. It is just that only one computer can utilize this license.

Permanent Licenses

Part 3. Microsoft Visio Tutorial

If you have purchased Microsoft Visio, it would be better to have a guide regarding its step-by-step process on how to use it. No matter the size of the business you are in, the tool will be helpful. On the other hand, here is a Microsoft Visio tutorial guide.

1

Acquire the program on your computer

First, go to the program's download page and get its installer. After that, install and launch it on your computer. The main interface should show the dashboard of the program.

2

Select a template

Now, go to File > New. You can choose Basis Diagram to start from scratch or browse through the templates from the Categories section. Key in the terms you desire to search for your preferred template.

Select Template
3

Add and arrange shapes

Select and drag the shapes from the stencil to the canvas in the Shapes window to create your diagram. With AutoConnect arrows, you can easily connect the shapes. You may have to activate this feature first from the Home tab.

Hover your mouse over one shape and select a shape from the menu that will appear. Then, it will automatically connect to the arrow you selected.

Arrange Connect Shapes
4

Label the shapes and connectors

To add details to your shapes, label the shapes by adding texts. Double-click on the desired shapes and key in the text. Press the Esc key button when you are finished.

Edit Add Text
5

Personalize your Visio diagram

This time, customize your Visio diagram. Under the Design tab, select a theme to style your diagram.

Design Visio Diagram
6

Save your Microsoft Visio diagram

Lastly, navigate to the File menu and choose the Export option. From here, you will be able to select an appropriate format.

Export Visio Diagram

Part 4. FAQs About Microsoft Visio

Does Visio have a Mac version?

Microsoft Visio is available for Windows, yet it is not compatible with macOS. You can use the program's web version on your Windows or Mac computers.

Is Microsoft Visio free?

Unfortunately, Microsoft Visio has no free version. It only offers a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, you need to decide whether to continue by purchasing a plan or end the session of using it.

Who uses the Visio app?

Microsoft Visio is famous among business managers and IT professionals working on flowcharts, floor plans, and sites.

Conclusion

The content mainly discusses an extensive review of Microsoft Visio. There is no denying that Visio is a powerful and robust tool when creating diagrams and flowcharts. Meanwhile, you might be looking for a Microsoft Visio alternative. MindOnMap is a recommended program that offers decent features at no cost.

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MindOnMap

An easy-to-use mind mapping maker to draw your ideas online visually and inspire creativity!