Expertly position, stack, and group shapes Stack shapes to relate shapes Location isnt always everything. Sometimes the position of shapes isnt enough to convey a relationship. Additional visual information is required. The underlying circles in this diagram show that each department has two computers and one printer. Without the circles, the situation wouldnt be so clear. Each circle is said to be below the computer equipment; the rectangle is below the two circles. This concept of shapes being under or on top of each other is called stacking order.

Expertly position, stack, and group shapes How shapes stack up This illustration may illuminate the concept of stacking order. While youll never see stacked shapes from the side in Visio, imagining them like this helps you get the picture. By default, Visio puts shapes in a stacking order as you add them to the page. The rule to remember for how Visio establishes stacking order is, The last one in wins. That means that the last shape you place on the page is highest in the stacking order.

Expertly position, stack, and group shapes How to change the stacking order The picture shows where to change the stacking order for a shape. 1.Select the shape, and then point to Order on the Shape menu. 2.Youll see four options. Bring to Front and Send to Back move a shape all the way in the stacking order. And heres how:

Expertly position, stack, and group shapes How to change the stacking order The picture shows where to change the stacking order for a shape. 3.If you want to move the shape forward or backward only a step at a time, choose either Bring Forward or Send Backward. And heres how: