How to Make a Network Diagram in Visio?

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Posted by Allison Lynch |

A computer network diagram is a visual representation of the various elements of a computer network connection. The diagram makes it easy for an individual to understand how connecting devices form a computer network. It maps out the structure of a computer network using different symbols and connectors. A network diagram is a visual way of picturing a task, process, or path. It graphically shows and displays the workflow in a series of steps of creating a network system.

This guide extends steps to create a network diagram with pre-made templates and libraries of symbols that you might need and introduces a visio alternative so that you can create Visio Network Diagrams for FREE!

Cisco Network Topology Diagram

How to Make a Network Diagram in Visio

The Network diagram template in Visio includes shapes for computers and other parts of the network system.

Open a Network Diagram Template Available in Visio

  1. Select File > New.
  2. Select the [Network] category you want.
  3. Select [Basic Network Diagram], then select [Create].

Open a network diagram template available in Visio

Switch on AutoConnect

Go to View, then select AutoConnect.

Show Connection Points

Go to View, and select Connection Points.

Add More Shapes and Connect Them

Add More Shapes

From the Network and Peripherals and Computers and Monitors stencils, drag shapes onto the drawing page. Select a shape on the page, and label it. To finish, select a blank area of the drawing page.

Select [Home] > [Connector]. Draw a line between two shapes. To finish, select [Home] > [Pointer Tool].

From the Network and Peripherals stencil, drag the legend shape onto the drawing page. Select Legend Subtitle, and type a new subtitle. To finish, select a blank area of the drawing page.

In the end, remember to save your network diagram in the file types you want.

Save Visio Network Diagram

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How to Make a Network Diagram More Easily Without Visio?

Follow the simple steps to make a network diagram in minutes and export it as a Visio file quickly.

Step 1: Open a Network Diagram Template

Install EdrawMax on your computer or visit EdrawMax Online. Here are different types of visual data will appear. Click on the [Network Diagram] you want to work on and free pre-made Network Diagram templates will appear on the screen.

Open a Network Diagram Template

Click [Templates] on the File menu and you will find a great number of network diagram templates that are created by Edraw and Edrawers (our users). Choose the one you like you can edit and customize it with ease.

Open a Network Diagram Template

Step 2: Open Network Diagram Symbol Libraries

Start making your diagram on the blank sheet. To use symbols, drawing, and other visual tools on Edraw, go to the [Symbol Library] on the left of the screen. You can search for more by clicking on the icon in the Symbol Library. Now scroll down to the category of [Network Diagram], select Cisco Network or other options, and then click on OK.

Open Network Diagram Symbol Libraries

A computer network diagram may include dozens of symbols to represent servers, hubs and routers, etc. The EdrawMax's network diagram symbol libraries provide all kinds of symbols needed.

3D Network Diagram Shapes

3D Network Diagram Shapes

Servers Library

Servers Library

Computers and Monitors

Computers and Monitors Library

Other Libraries for Network Diagrams

Other Libraries for Network Diagram

With a large amount of symbols, you can create all kinds of network diagrams you need, whether it is for a personal computer or for an entire company network. Place all symbols of devices you need on the diagram such as computers and servers. Then add other important components, too. Use connectors with the help of directional arrows to mark out how the computer network is connected.

Step 3: Tailor the Network Diagram Template

Keep making, editing and formatting your network diagram according to the need of your plan.

Tailor the Network Diagram Template

Step 4: Save and Export the File

Once you have designed a network diagram; you can save it for more edits and online sharing. EdrawMax lets you export commonly-used file types such as Visio, Excel, PDF, Graphics, PowerPoint, and Word. To save an Edraw file, click on [File] and then select [Export & Send]. Choose the file type you want to export.

To export a document as Visio file: Go to the [Export & Send] > [Visio]. Select Visio VSDX Format and your network diagram will be exported to the VSDX file format.

Save and Export the File

In fact, EdrawMax also supports our users to import the Visio files and convert your Visio network diagrams in seconds.

Import Visio files

You can watch the video below and learn more details!

Visio Alternative for Network Diagram

EdrawMax is a software offering worth templates for all scenarios, from flowchart, to UML, presentations templates, and many more. Now it’s time to transform your ideas into visuals to better picturize what you are looking for. It helps to schedule and track your plans, business projects, and processes for all industries. You can make more than 280 types of diagrams, from technical diagrams to dynamic infographics. It includes a huge number of professionally designed templates and symbols, which helps you to create and better visualize your ideas.

Are you looking for a budget alternative to Visio network diagrams and examples? Try EdrawMax!! EdrawMax has a massive capability of providing all kinds of professional network diagram templates, symbols, and shapes. In addition, all diagrams can be converted to MS Visio with ease. Significantly, it's free!

More Resources

How to Open Visio vsdx File

Visio Network Diagram Alternative On Mac

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