Data graphics applied to images or objects aren't displayed in Visio 2010 and Visio 2007

When you apply a data graphic to an image or object in a Microsoft Visio 2010 or 2007 drawing, the data graphic isn't displayed. You might experience this issue if you try to apply a data graphic to any of the following image file formats or objects:

• Tag Image File (.tif)
• Graphics Image File (.gif)
• JPEG File Interchange (.jpg)
• Portable Network Graphics (.png)
• Windows Bitmaps (.bmp, .dib)
• Enhanced Meta File (.emf, .emz)
• Windows Meta File (.wmf)
• AutoCAD drawing (.dwg, .dxf)
• Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) objects

This behavior occurs because you can't apply data graphics to images or objects in Visio 2010 and Visio 2007. This behavior is by design in Visio 2007 and can also occur in Visio 2010.

To work around this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Group the image or object together with one or more shapes in your drawing. To do so, select the shapes and the image or object that you want to group, point to Grouping on the Shape menu, and then select Group.
2. Add data to the group by using one of the following methods:
   • Define shape data for the group by following these steps:
     1. Select the group, and then select Shape Data on the Data menu.
     2. When you're prompted to confirm whether you want to define shape data, select Yes.
     3. In the Define Shape Data dialog box, specify the shape data that you want, and then select OK.
   • Link data to the group by following these steps:
     1. Select the group, and then select Link Data to Shapes on the Data menu.
     2. Follow the instructions in the Data Selector Wizard.
3. Apply the data graphic to the group.
   • To do so, select Display Data on Shapes on the Data menu, and then apply the data graphic that you want.

1. For Office 2010, you can download and install the latest service pack through Windows Update or at the Microsoft Download Center.
2. For Office 2007, we recommended that you download and install the latest service pack (SP3) through Windows Update.

You can apply data graphics to shapes in a drawing to show data about the shapes. For more information about how to work with data graphics in Visio 2007, select Microsoft Office Visio Help on the Help menu, type data graphics in the Type words to search for box, and then select Search to view a list of relevant articles.

Still need help? Go to Microsoft Community.