Visio 2010: Adding a custom Stencil (permanently) to the Shapes menu

Question

I know how to create custom stencils and shapes....what I haven't been able to find out is if it's possible (and how) to have my custom stencil w/shapes show up by default in the Shapes window/menu.

I would like to avoid having to go to > More Shapes > My Shapes and rather just 'stick' my stencil in that menu by default.

Is this possible?

Answer 1

Open stencils are something that's saved as part of a document's workspace settings. Ordinarily you would create a template that's saved with your stencil open. If the workspace option is included when saving, then subsequent documents (based on that template) will open with your stencil docked in position. Have a look at these two links for details:

Add a stencil to a template in Visio

Create and use custom templates

Answer 2

You can put your application's folder path in Visio's StencilPaths property, either through automation (Application.StencilPaths property) or through the UI (in the Advanced menu in the Options, click the File Locations button).

This won't open your stencil by default in Visio, but it makes it fairly easy to find. I can't tell by your question if this is what you're trying to avoid.

I suppose, you could also modify Visio's template files to add your stencil on, so no matter what your stencil is open for any new file.