How to Use Layers in Microsoft Visio

Apr 25, 2023

Microsoft Visio is an excellent tool and application for creating visual representations of flows and processes using creative and beautiful diagrams that are easy to understand, including flowcharts, floor plans, organization charts, flow diagrams, swimlane diagrams, and many more. Users must be wary of the various elements in developing visual diagrams, including how to use layers in Microsoft Visio properly and effectively.

How to Use Layers in Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio makes use of layers that automatically link to the shapes inserted into the file and assigns layers to shapes as necessary. The section below helps users understand how to create and use these layers according to the graph, chart, or diagram they want to establish for their project.

Step 1: Create a New Document for a Diagram

Open the Microsoft Visio application on the computer and click on the New tab to open a new document. Users have the option to start their diagrams from scratch or select a template from the Microsoft library by typing the name of the diagram they need on the search bar.
Step 2: Create a New Layer

After opening a template or creating a blank document, insert layers into the file by going to the Layer properties, look for the dialog box in the Layers drop-down menu in the Editing section of the Home tab, then select New. A pop-up window will appear that allows the user to edit the name of the new layer.
Step 3: Assign the Shapes to a Layer

Select the shape or the connector in the document, and on the diagram, click on the Assign to Layer button from the Layers drop-down menu in the Editing section of the Home tab, to assign a shape to a specific layer. A pop-up window appears through a Layer dialog box that allows the user to designate a shape to a new or existing layer in the diagram. Note that users can use the shape for more than one layer of the diagram, and once everything is in order, click the OK button to save.

FAQs

What are layer properties in Visio?

Layer properties is a dialog box that allows users to change the properties for individual layers in a document, comprising several checkboxes supporting different features, including name, color, print, active, lock, glue, snap, etc.

How do you toggle between layers in Visio?

On a document, click on the Home tab, hover over the Editing group, select Layers, and click on Layer properties to open the dialog box, clearing or selecting the Visible column checkbox to hide or show layers.

How do I overlay a shape in Visio?

For individuals using Visio 2013, open it using Developer Mode, select Options, Customize Ribbon, then select Developer; select two shapes in the document, click on the Developer tab, press the Operations button, and choose the Union or Combine options, allowing the shapes to overlap one another.