In this practice, you will learn how to efficiently duplicate and position elements using the copy-paste method. You’ll copy elements from a reference layout and reuse them to match the desired design. Mastering this skill will enhance your efficiency across all aspects of patent drawing work.

💡 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.

💡 Tip: While a touchpad can be used for navigation, we strongly recommend a mouse for working with patent figures. Unlike word processing or spreadsheets, graphical tasks require 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: MC2C3-Practice-ObjectDuplication.vsdx
    • Set Visual Aids
      • Go to the View tab and select Visual Aids. Ensure the following snapping and gluing settings are enabled:
        • Snap to Shape Geometry and Connection Points.
        • Glue to Shape Geometry and Connection Points.
    Snap and Glue Setting

  • 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 duplicate visual elements like images, labels, and annotations using the standard copy-paste method. This is one of the fastest ways to replicate parts of a diagram while maintaining layout consistency.

Your Task:

Your goal is to match the reference diagram on the left by duplicating elements using Ctrl + C (copy) and Ctrl + V (paste). You’ll also learn how to define a paste location and align each duplicate precisely.


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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Section 1:

  1. Select the first item you want to duplicate.
  2. Copy it using Ctrl + C.
  3. Click to set the paste location.
  4. Paste it using Ctrl + V.
  5. Adjust the position to match the reference diagram.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Section 1:

  • Step 1: Zooming In for Optimal Visibility
    🎯 Goal: See both the reference and working areas side by side.

    • Hover your cursor between the reference diagram (left) and the work area (right).
    • Hold `Ctrl` and scroll upward to zoom in.
    • Make sure both diagrams are fully visible and clear.
  • Step 2: Copy-Paste the Phone Image
    🎯 Goal: Duplicate the phone image in the correct position.

    • Select the original phone image.
    • Press Ctrl + C to copy it.
    • Click the target location on the right end of the connector line.
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste.
    • Adjust the image position if needed.
  • Step 3: Create the Phone Label
    🎯 Goal: Add a label that matches the phone image.

    • Select the existing "phone" text label.
    • Copy it using Ctrl + C.
    • Click above or beside the phone image.
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste.
    • Reposition the label for proper alignment.
  • Step 4: Annotate the Phone Image
    🎯 Goal: Apply a lead line and reference number to the phone image.

    • Select the Line & RefNum combo shape.
    • Copy it, click near the phone image, and paste it.
    • Replace the placeholder with the correct number.
    • Adjust the curve and endpoint as needed.
  • Step 5: Add the Server Image
    🎯 Goal: Duplicate the server image to complete the setup.

    • Select the server image.
    • Press Ctrl + C to copy it.
    • Click where the server should go.
    • Press Ctrl + V to paste.
    • Align the image to match the layout in the reference diagram.
Final Check & Summary
✅ All copied elements are placed in the correct positions
✅ Labels and reference numbers match the original
✅ All visual elements are aligned consistently

🚀 Great job! You’ve completed the duplication task.

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: Thursday, 11 September 2025, 5:03 AM