Visio Quick Start

Select a template

Visio helps you visually communicate complex information from multiple data sources:

  • Quickly create professional flow charts, timelines, process maps, organizational charts, IT architecture diagrams, floor plans, and more.

  • Keep diagram data points current by connecting diagram elements directly to data sources.

  • Use data graphics to simplify and enhance the visualization of complex information.

  • View and share the most up-to-date Visio diagrams from nearly anywhere with Visio for the web.

  • View and interact with diagrams on the go with Visio Viewer for iOS.

Select a template

Visio offers more than 80 types of templates. You can also access some of the top templates on Featured Visio templates and diagrams.

  1. Open Visio.

    If you're already in Visio, select File > New.

  2. Select or search for a template:

    • Select a template from the Office or Templates tab.

    • Search for online templates Start Searching button or select one of the Suggested searches.

      The Software, Engineering, and Database categories are only available in Visio Plan 2 and in Visio Professional 2016, Visio Professional 2019, and Visio Professional 2021.

  3. Select the units of measurement, if prompted.

  4. Select Create.

Screenshot of six diagram thumbnails on the Flowchart category page.

Screenshot of the Vertical Flowchart screen displaying template and measurement unit options.

See Also

Compare Visio versions and features 

Display languages supported in the Visio desktop app

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