Visio 2003 Frequently Asked Questions

Visio 2003 is a drawing and diagramming solution that can help people transform business and technical concepts into visual diagrams. Use Visio 2003 to formulate, document and communicate important information and make a professional impact on your audience.

Graphics can be a powerful way to communicate information, but most graphics software packages require users to have artistic skills to render effective images; Visio 2003 is intended for people who feel uncomfortable drawing freehand but who need visuals to help relay important information. Create diagrams with Visio 2003 using formatting tools and predefined Microsoft® SmartShapes® symbols; add backgrounds, titles and page borders.

Just about anyone can benefit from using Microsoft Visio. Microsoft Office Visio Standard 2003 can help business professionals easily create diagrams that can help them demonstrate how their business operates. For technical users such as IT professionals, software developers, engineers and space planners, Microsoft Office Visio Professional 2003 provides comprehensive diagramming tools that can help communicate technical information through simple diagrams.

While other Microsoft Office programs, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint®, provide basic diagramming capabilities, Visio is a dedicated diagramming tool that can help you easily create a broad range of diagrams. In contrast to other Office programs, you can use Visio to automatically create diagrams and complete tasks or to export data to reports and store information within each shape.

None. With Visio, you can easily create diagrams using intelligent, predefined SmartShapes symbols and templates. You can get started with tutorials, available in the Help menu and in addition, Visio Solution Providers can provide basic and advanced training.

Visio 2003 features enhanced diagramming capabilities, new templates, updated importing and exporting capabilities, improved methods for collaborating with other applications and many new advanced features for developers and power users.

There are many reasons to upgrade to Visio 2003, including new templates and brainstorming tools, updated diagramming tools and improved ways to collaborate with other applications. For more information, see the top 10 reasons to use Visio 2003 (US).

Yes. You can open and use any Visio diagram from any previous version in Visio 2003. You can open a Visio 2003 diagram in Microsoft Visio 2002 or Visio 2000 by first saving the diagram in the Visio 2002/2000 file format. Note  Some specific functionality may be unavailable after saving your diagram in a previous version.

The Visio product family comprises Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003.

Visio 2003 is available in 17 languages:

You can use Visio 2003 with Microsoft Office System programs to:

Create Visio solutions that meet the needs of your organisation with Visio 2003 tools, such as:

Yes. For help with deployment, get the Visio 2003 Resource Kit Tools. For customisation, use the SDK or visit MSDN. In addition, a global network of more than 200 Visio Solution Providers can assist customers with specific deployment, training and customisation assistance.

Yes. Visio 2003 also supports the custom install wizard and custom maintenance wizard.

The critical first step in any business process management (BPM) effort is to create a clear picture of the process. Visio 2003 can help you quickly document and map your organisation's business processes, providing deeper insight into how these processes work.

The Visio team works with you to provide both the tools and information to successfully complete a BPM effort. This includes starter templates and online tutorials, as well as customised partner solutions and training.

Yes. Visio 2003 integrates with:

For information, contact Visio Solution Providers.

See Visio 2003 system requirements.

Visio 2003 provides you with dedicated diagramming capabilities to help you perform tasks such as documenting processes organising and mapping charts and diagramming project timelines.

New features in Visio Standard 2003 include:

Visio Standard 2003 enables users to create business-related diagrams, such as flowcharts organisation charts and project schedules. Visio Professional 2003 combines the shapes and solutions in Visio Standard 2003 with shapes and solutions that enable technical professionals to create IT, web, developer, engineering and other technical diagrams.

Compare features in Visio Standard 2003 and Visio Professional 2003.

For technical users, Visio Professional 2003 provides you with dedicated diagramming capabilities across multiple technical categories. Whether you are an electrical engineer, a building floor planner or a software developer, you can use Visio Professional 2003 to create the diagram for the project.

New and improved features include:

Find Visio 2003 pricing and licensing information.

No. Visio 2003 is available as a stand-alone program only; it is not included in any of the Microsoft Office 2003 Editions. Learn more about what programs are available in Office 2003 Editions (US).

It will be licensed as a stand-alone product. Find Visio 2003 pricing and licensing information.

Yes. Find more information about getting the Visio 2003 trial software.