Visio COM Skill

Create editable .vsdx files using Microsoft Visio Desktop through local PowerShell COM automation.

Requirements

• Windows
• Microsoft Visio Desktop installed and COM-registered
• PowerShell 5.1 or newer

Check Visio COM availability:

[type]::GetTypeFromProgID("Visio.Application")

If this returns $null, Visio COM is unavailable. Offer another editable format such as SVG, Mermaid, or draw.io.

Workflow

1. Convert the user's request into a JSON diagram specification.

2. Save the JSON specification in the active workspace.

3. Run:

   powershell -NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "<skill_dir>\scripts\render_visio_diagram.ps1" -SpecPath "<diagram.json>" -OutputPath "<diagram.vsdx>"
   

4. By default, the renderer opens Visio visibly and leaves the document open for review.

5. For automated checks, use -Hidden -CloseWhenDone.

JSON Format

Use an items array for precise diagram control. Coordinates are in Visio inches.

Supported item types:

• text
• box
• diamond
• ellipse
• line
• connector
• frame
• foldBars

Minimal specification:

{
  "fileName": "diagram.vsdx",
  "pageName": "Diagram",
  "page": { "width": 11, "height": 8.5 },
  "items": [
    { "type": "text", "x1": 3.5, "y1": 7.6, "x2": 7.5, "y2": 8.1, "text": "Workflow", "size": 18, "bold": true },
    { "type": "box", "x1": 1, "y1": 5.8, "x2": 3, "y2": 6.6, "text": "Input", "fill": "#F5F5F5" },
    { "type": "diamond", "cx": 5.1, "cy": 6.2, "w": 1.4, "h": 0.9, "text": "Model", "fill": "#FFF6D7" },
    { "type": "box", "x1": 7, "y1": 5.8, "x2": 9, "y2": 6.6, "text": "Output" },
    { "type": "line", "x1": 3, "y1": 6.2, "x2": 4.4, "y2": 6.2, "arrow": true },
    { "type": "line", "x1": 5.8, "y1": 6.2, "x2": 7, "y2": 6.2, "arrow": true }
  ]
}

Layout Notes

• Match the page ratio to the source diagram before placing shapes.
• Keep long feedback lines as orthogonal connector segments.
• Separate feedback lines from section divider lines.
• Use frame with "dashed": true for workflow boundaries.
• Use diamond for decision/model nodes instead of rotated rectangles.
• Save .vsdx first. Avoid preview export unless the user specifically asks for it.