I have shape that contains several shape data. I've added these shape data to Data graphics, and after this I manually drag the graphics (Text Callouts) to differents places all around the Visio-document. When I add or remove any Data graphics item, all the graphics (Text Callouts) moves to the default position of the shape. And I have to drag again all the graphics to place where I want them to be.

Is there way to lock the Data graphics so the positions where I drag the Text Callouts wouldn't move to the default position?

I've tried changing values to TRUE in ShapeSheet-Protection, but it only affects the shape itself, not its Data graphics.

Correct me MVP's if I'm wrong.  But I don't think you can do what you want because the graphic position is defined by the DataGraphic, not the Shape to which it's applied.

How about this for a crude work-around?  You can map a linked data row to more than one Shape.  So you could add dummy Shapes, map those to the same data records, apply your DataGraphics, then place the Shapes where you them on the Page.  Then set the Transparent properties of the dummy Shapes to 100%.  The Shapes disappear leaving their DataGraphics visible.

kinda like this

http://visguy.com/vgforum/index.php?topic=1117.0

the other method of course is to use the drawing explorer to get to the individual datagraphic shapes and then lock them down via the shapesheet (a little tedious, but should be doable)

al

Al,

Thanks.  Really clever.  That's what makes you an MVP.

Steve

I tried to make the surrogate shapes, but I couldn't get it working. What is surrogate shape and how to create it? And I actually prefer not to use macros.

The other method that MVP said won't work. When I lock (ShapeSheet:Protection:all TRUE) the individual datagraphic shapes (text callouts), they will move to default position when do any changes to data graphics.

I guess it is easiest, but very tedious, for me to make dummy shapes and make individual data graphics of them.

The example was meant to show a concept. In the production materials I ended up creating a custom table (since I almost always create the drawings via automation). Along with the supporting table I supply a custom stencil that has the shapes that I want to use as surrogates and the predefined datagraphics. An example of this is over here

http://visrackcompattr.codeplex.com/documentation

For some more information on applying data and Visio check out David Parker's book

http://www.amazon.com/Visualizing-Information-Microsoft%C2%AE-Office-Visio%C2%AE/dp/007148261X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300020692&sr=1-1

al

This still bugs me all time and giving me a hell of time using VISO 2013 .. it almost renders it unusable!!!

every time you edit the data graphic, all the custom fine positioning, formatting are gone and everything s reset to its defaults ... what about a data graphic with 10 links (field/rows) ??? it is really useless if it can't withstand latest changes or a check box for like resistant position!

I also, could not understand the answers ... is there any solution to this ?