In this exercise, you’ll practice resizing elements by dragging their resize handles with your mouse, a skill essential for efficiently working with patent figures. You’ll also learn how to adjust shape sizes using the Size & Position window to correct text-fitting issues without disrupting connectors. By the end of this task, you’ll be able to resize elements precisely and maintain proper text alignment.

💡 Multi-Device Tip: For the best experience, use your primary computer (with Visio and a mouse) for working on the practice file, and a secondary device (tablet, smartphone, laptop, or second monitor) to view step-by-step instructions and demonstration videos.

💡 Best Practice: While a touchpad can be used for navigation, we strongly recommend using a mouse for tasks involving patent figures. Unlike word processing or spreadsheets, graphical work demands precision and efficiency, which a mouse provides.

COMPLETION STEPS

1 Setup Workspace

  • 1️⃣ On Your Primary Computer

    • Download the Practice File:
      • Log in to IP DaVinci LMS and download the practice materials:
        ↓ Download Assignment
        • Note: After downloading the zip file, please extract its contents.
          • On Windows: Right-click the file and choose "Extract All..." to unzip the folder.
          • On Mac: Double-click the zip file to automatically extract it.
    • Open the Visio File:
      • Open the provided practice file: MC2D1-Practice-ResizingTechniques.vsdx

  • 2️⃣ On Your Secondary Device (Recommended)

    • Access Detailed Instructions:
      • Use your secondary device to access step-by-step instructions and demonstration videos.

2 Complete Task E1

Follow the steps below as a general guide to complete Task E1. If you have a secondary device, refer to the detailed demonstration videos on it as you perform the tasks on your primary computer.

In this practice, you’ll refine your skills in resizing shapes—a foundational task when formatting patent figures. You’ll use both manual drag-resizing and precise dimensions via the Size & Position window to ensure your diagrams look clean and professional.

Your Task:

Use both manual and precise resizing methods to match the layout shown in the reference diagrams. Resize elements to improve readability, fix text overflow, and maintain alignment across the figure.


💡 Watch the Overview video—watch this first for a quick walkthrough

Section 1: Manual Resizing with Handles

🎯 Goal: Resize shapes by dragging control handles directly on the canvas.

  1. Reveal the Resize Handles
    • Click the shape to show resize handles (small corner and side squares).
  2. Resize the Element
    • Hover over a handle until the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow.
    • Click and drag to resize:
      • Use a corner handle for proportional resizing.
      • Use a side handle to change width or height independently.
      • Release the mouse button to apply the resize.
  3. Repeat for the next shape that needs resizing.

💡 Use the reference diagram (left) to match the target size and layout.

Section 1: Manual Resizing with Handles

  • Step 1: Zoom In for Visibility
    🎯 Goal: Clearly view both reference and work diagrams.

    • Hover your mouse between the reference (left) and work (right) areas.
    • Hold `Ctrl` and scroll up (or pinch-zoom) to zoom in until both diagrams are clearly visible.
  • Step 2: Resize the First Shape (Database)
    🎯 Goal: Expand shape dimensions to fix text overflow.

    1. Click the database shape to reveal handles.
    2. Drag the right handle rightward to widen it until the text fits.
    3. Drag the top handle upward to increase the height.
    4. Release the mouse after each adjustment.
    5. Repeat as needed to fully contain the text.
  • Step 3: Resize the Second Shape
    🎯 Goal: Ensure the second shape also fits its content.

    1. Click the second shape.
    2. Drag the right handle to increase width.
    3. Drag the top handle to increase height.
    4. Confirm the text now fits properly.
  • Step 4: Resize the Container
    🎯 Goal: Adjust the container to fit the resized inner shapes.

    1. Click the container shape.
    2. Drag the left and right handles to snugly frame the inner content.
    3. Drag the bottom handle to adjust height.
    4. Match the container layout to the reference.

Section 2: Precise Resizing with Size & Position

🎯 Goal: Resize shapes using exact dimensions without disturbing connectors.

  1. Select the Shape
    • Click the shape that needs resizing.
  2. Open Size & Position
    • Go to View → Task Panes → Size & Position.
  3. Set Exact Size
    • Enter the desired Width and Height (e.g., 0.9 in x 0.7 in).
    • Press Enter to apply.
  4. Repeat for the next shape.

💡 This method maintains connector alignment while resizing.

Section 2: Precise Resizing with Size & Position

  • Step 1: Navigate to Section 2
    🎯 Goal: Position your view on the second work area.

    • Scroll or pan downward until Section 2 is in view.
    • Use mouse wheel or two-finger swipe to pan down.
    • Zoom in again if needed for clarity.
  • Step 2: Resize the First Shape
    🎯 Goal: Apply precise dimensions using the panel.

    1. Select the first shape.
    2. Go to View > Task Panes > Size & Position.
    3. In the panel, set:
      • Width = 0.9 in
      • Height = 0.7 in
    4. Press `Enter` to apply changes.
    5. Check that connectors remain aligned.
  • Step 3: Resize the Second Shape
    🎯 Goal: Resize the next shape using the same measurements.

    1. Select the second shape.
    2. Enter the same values in the Size & Position panel:
      • Width = 0.9 in
      • Height = 0.7 in
    3. Press `Enter` to apply.
    4. Confirm the text is now fully visible.
Final Check & Summary
✅ All shapes resized to fit content
✅ Layout matches the reference diagrams
✅ Connectors remain intact and properly routed
✅ No text overflow present

🚀 Great work! You’re now ready for the next drafting challenge.

3 Complete Tasks E2 through En

Tasks E2 through En are designed to reinforce the techniques introduced in Task E1. We encourage you to follow these steps for each task:

  • Step 1: Attempt the task independently:
    • Apply the techniques learned in Task E1.
  • Step 2: Watch the Solution Walkthrough:
    • Once you’ve completed the task, open the corresponding solution walkthrough below to watch our video demonstration.
  • Step 3: Compare your approach to ours and reflect on:
    • What worked well?
    • What could be improved?
    • Any new strategies you might want to try?
🎥 Solution Walkthrough

Use the links below to access the solution walkthrough for each task. Watch how we approached the solution and compare it to your own.

  • 💡 Watch Video: Overview - Watch this video for a quick walkthrough.

  • 💡 Watch Video: Overview - Watch this video for a quick walkthrough.

4 Upload for Assessment

Once you have completed the practice assignment, please upload it here so your teacher can review and grade your work.
↑ Upload for Assessment

Last modified: Wednesday, 24 December 2025, 4:28 AM