Add a Visio diagram to a page in OneNote

Important: 

• We're no longer developing new features for OneNote 2016. If you want to take advantage of the latest that OneNote has to offer, consider switching to OneNote for Windows 10. For more information, see What's the difference between OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote 2016?

• If you're not quite ready to make the switch, you can keep using OneNote 2016 for a while longer. Learn more about the future of OneNote.

If you want to keep records of your work in one place or show a snapshot of your data, you can add a Visio diagram (also called a drawing) to a page in your OneNote notebook. In the world of books and binders, this option is the equivalent of making a copy of your diagram and attaching it to your paper notes.

When you add a Visio diagram to a page in OneNote, you can either:

Attach a Visio file

Embed a static image of the diagram

Create a new diagram

Keep in mind that any changes you make to the diagram in OneNote won't appear in the original file in Visio. Likewise, if you change the original Visio diagram, your changes won't appear in the copy in OneNote.

Attach a Visio file

If you want to create a copy of your diagram and add a link to that copy directly in your notes, right where you'll need it later, use this option. The link will appear as an icon that opens a fully functioning Visio diagram when you double click it.

Important:  Just remember, you're creating a copy of your original Visio diagram. Changes you make to the copy in OneNote won't show up in your original. And changing the original won't update the copy.

1. Choose Insert > Diagram > Existing Visio Drawing.

   

2. Find and click the file you want to add, and choose Insert.

3. Choose Attach File.

   The image below shows what the attached diagram will look like.

   

   Important:  Be sure you don't delete the icon, or you won't be able to open or edit the diagram.

Embed a static image of the diagram

This option creates a copy of your diagram, and adds a link to that copy directly in your notes along with a static image of your diagram. The link will appear as an icon that opens a fully functioning Visio diagram when you double click it. If you update the linked diagram, the embedded image will automatically refresh to show your changes.

Important:  Just remember, you're creating a copy of your original Visio diagram. Changes you make to the copy in OneNote won't show up in your original. And changing the original won't update the copy.

1. Choose Insert > Diagram > Existing Visio Drawing.

2. Find and click the file you want to add, and choose Insert.

3. Choose Insert Diagram.

   The image below shows what an embedded drawing will look like.

   

   Note:  Be sure you don't delete the icon, or you won't be able to edit the diagram.

Create a new diagram

If you want to create a new Visio diagram, you can do it directly from your notes.

Just like embedding a static image of an existing diagram, this option will insert an icon that opens a fully functioning Visio diagram when you double click it, and show a static image of your diagram on the page. If you update the linked diagram, the embedded image will automatically refresh to show your changes.

1. Choose Insert > Diagram > New Visio Drawing.

   A Visio icon appears on the page, along with a blank, static image of the diagram.

2. To edit the diagram, double-click the icon.

   

   Note:  Be sure you don't delete the icon, or you won't be able to edit the diagram.