Visio Standard

Visio is software for creating diagrams. Users choose a template, drag shapes to the drawing, connect the shapes, and add text where needed.

Which Versions of This Software Are Available?

You can choose to download the current version or the previous version of this software. You can find out which version is the current one on the Current Versions of Microsoft Products page. In addition, you can download the software in any language that's available.

Benefits for Organizations

You can use Visio to create flowcharts, organization charts, office layouts, and more.

Major Capabilities

• Templates: Visio includes templates for:
  • Charts (organization charts, flowcharts, and marketing charts)
  • Project schedules (calendars, timelines, and Gantt charts)
  • Maps (directional and geographic)
  • Cause-and-effect diagrams
  • Block diagrams
  • Basic network diagrams
  • Basic office layouts
• Themes and styles: You can add sets of colors, fonts, and effects to an entire diagram with a single mouse click. Each theme has several variants. In addition, you can also apply styles to individual shapes to make them stand out. Effects include such things as shadows and glows.
• Threaded conversations: A commenting pane allows reviewers' comments to appear in threads.
• Cloud storage: The default location to save diagrams is the user's SkyDrive.

Important Volume Licensing Information

With Visio, organizations can choose between two types of volume license keys for product activation: a Key Management Service (KMS) license key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). Organizations will be provided with both types of keys on the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Microsoft offers instructions on how to use a MAK or KMS key to activate volume editions of Office software, which also applies to Visio.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires you to download the software from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) and enter a license key. You can download any available version or language for your product.

The license key allows you to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for. This quantity is specified in the email you receive from TechSoup after you request this product.

Expect two emails:

1.    When your donation request has been approved, TechSoup will send a message to your organization email address. This email will confirm the number of licenses you have requested and provide information about how to use the VLSC once Microsoft accepts your license agreement. Make sure the email address in your organization details is up to date by visiting your account.

2. Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organization to the VLSC. This email will indicate that Microsoft has accepted your license agreement. After you receive this email, you'll be able to follow the steps in the first email you received from TechSoup to obtain your donation through the VLSC.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance program , you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.