How to Create a Block Diagram

Use Microsoft Visio to create a block diagram. Learn how to use the same software engineers are using to create block diagrams. You will create block diagrams to map out computer systems and plan manufacturing processes in the engineering fields. The average computer user can use block diagrams for home redecoration, planning field trips or vacations and organizing a small home office network. Get started by learning the basics of dropping objects onto the screen in Visio.

Things You'll Need

• MS Visio

Instructions

1. Start your computer and open Microsoft Visio. Select the drawing type when prompted by the software. To create a block diagram, select the Block diagram option. Select the unit of measurement applicable to your country (US or Metric).

2. Click on the File menu. Click on "Page Setup." Click on the option for "Landscape Vew." Locate the Paper Size list box and select the paper size you need for your diagram. Standard size is set to A4 (common paper size in Japan) by default. To set the size to American standards, select 8.5-by-11 inches.

3. From the Objects pane (left-hand side of the screen), click on a block shape and hold the left mouse button down. Drag the object onto the work space screen. The block shape represents any input and output of a system.

4. Type a label or message in the block diagram (If you accidentally clicked somewhere else, simply double-click on the block object to enable typing). Hit the "Enter" key or click somewhere on the page to deselect the block object. Drag a second block object on to the screen and place a few spaces away from the first block object.

5. Click on the Line tool at the top of the Visio interface. Point to the first block object, and draw a line by clicking the mouse on the edge of the block object. Drag the line to connect it to the second block object. Connect more block objects to form your block diagram components.

6. Organize your block diagram. If you block diagram is intended to be a map of your home wireless network, for example, place blocks for each work station (each user's computer) on the page. Drag a circle object on to the page for the wireless router and place it in the center of the page. The circle represents the signal point, and the blocks represent the input and output points (wireless signal coming in to a station, as well as transmitting the signal back to the router) in your block diagram. Branch out the connector lines from each block diagram to the wireless router. Don't forget to label each block.

7. Save your work when you are done. Click on the File menu and select "Save."

References

• Microsoft.com