Microsoft Visio facts for kids

Microsoft Visio is a special computer program from Microsoft that helps you draw all sorts of diagrams and charts. It's like a digital drawing board for making flowcharts, maps, and plans. Microsoft bought Visio in 2000, and it has been a popular tool for drawing since then.

What is Microsoft Visio?

Microsoft Visio is a type of vector graphics program. This means it creates images using mathematical lines and shapes instead of tiny dots (like photos). This makes your drawings look clear and sharp, no matter how much you zoom in!

You can use Visio to create many different kinds of drawings, like:

• Flowcharts that show steps in a process.
• Organizational charts that show who reports to whom in a company.
• Floor plans for buildings.
• Network diagrams for computers.

History of Visio

Visio was not always a Microsoft product. It was first made by a company called Shapeware Corporation. Microsoft then bought Shapeware Corporation in the year 2000.

The first big version of Visio under Microsoft was released in 2003. Since then, it has become a widely used tool for creating professional diagrams.

How Visio Works

Visio helps you draw by providing many ready-made shapes and symbols. You can drag and drop these shapes onto your drawing page. Then, you connect them with lines to show relationships or steps.

For example, if you are making a flowchart, Visio has shapes for decisions, processes, and starting/ending points. You just pick the right shape and place it where you need it.

Visio File Types

When you save a drawing in Microsoft Visio, it creates a special file. Older versions of Visio used a file extension called "VSD".

For Microsoft Visio 2010 and newer versions, Microsoft introduced a new file extension called "VSDX". These new files are often smaller and easier to share.