Specify dimensions by using the Size & Position window


Select a shape to see and edit information about that shape.

Specify the height and width of a shape

The Size & Position window has fields for height and width where you can type an exact number and a unit of measure.

For example, imagine that you have a small rectangular table that you want to fit into an office layout diagram. The table top is 1 foot, 9 inches by 1 foot, 5 inches. When you drag a rectangular table from the Office Furniture stencil, you see that the dimensions are 3 feet, 6 inches by 6 feet. Instead of using the resizing handles on the table shape to make it smaller, use the Size & Position window to set the exact size.

  1. Select the table shape on the drawing page.

  2. In the Size & Position window, select the value in the Width field (3 ft. 6 in.) and replace it by typing 1 foot 9 inches, and then press ENTER.

    Do not use a comma to separate measurement values, such as between feet and inches, or Visio will show an error.

    You can use a different unit of measure by typing the unit name you want to use. For example, you could type 21 inches or even .583 yard.

  3. Select the value in the Height field (6 ft.) and replace it by typing 1 ft. 5 in.


Use formulas to set values

You can set values in Size & Position window fields by typing mathematical equations using operators such as these:

  • Add (+)

  • Subtract (-)

  • Multiply (*)

  • Divide (/)

Press ENTER to calculate the resulting value and apply it to the shape.

X, Y, and Pin Position


The point of origin is usually the bottom left corner of the drawing page, but it can be in other locations in some templates. To find the point of origin for a drawing, select a shape and set the X and Y values to 0 (zero). The shape moves so its pin position is directly on the point of origin.

The pin position of a shape not only determines how the X and Y values set the shape’s position, but also the point around which the shape rotates. For example, if you would like to rotate a shape around a corner instead of around the center point, use the drop-down list in the Pin Pos field to specify the corner.

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