Microsoft Visio

Visio Online is an application that lets users map processes using a variety of graphical forms. With Visio Online, you can view, edit, and share Visio diagrams on the web. Start with a basic diagram to express common ideas, such as depicting a plan, making a proposal, or describing a sequence of steps in a process. It’s simple and easy to create first-class diagrams with commonly used diagram types and rich shape sets. Visio Online users can view and collaborate by sharing diagrams and inserting comments in files uploaded to SharePoint Online or OneDrive for Business.

How to Get Microsoft Visio

Users who only need to view Visio diagrams can do so for free by visiting: Visio Online Basic

Students may be able to download Visio through Azure for Education.

Users who need to create professional business and IT diagrams that meet industry standards and can be connected to data will need a Visio Plan 2 License. It is also the only way for UW faculty and staff to obtain the Visio desktop app.

Visio Plan 2 licenses are offered to UW departments on an annual contract basis running from June 1 to May 31 in alignment with our Microsoft contract, and include no service or support for the product itself. The cost is not prorated when purchased midway through the contract year.

Please note: The Visio Plan 2 desktop application is not compatible with Office 2016.  To utilize the Visio Plan 2 desktop application, upgrade to Office 365 ProPlus.

Order Visio Plan 2

License Details

  • VisioPlan 2 licenses are assigned to an individual. The Visio desktop app may be installed on up to 5 devices, but can only be used on one device at a time by the named user.
  • Visio Plan 2 licenses can not be assigned to a shared UW NetID.
  • Once purchased, you will be automatically billed for your Visio Plan 2 license on an annual basis unless you cancel the renewal before the cancellation deadline. For more information about the cancellation deadline or to submit a cancellation request form, visit: https://itconnect.uw.edu/tools-services-support/software-computers/uware/uw-software-renewal-cancellation-request/.

Additional Information

Microsoft Visio Online FAQs

  • You can install Visio Online on up to five devices.

  • Yes

  • The license can be transferred to another user at the department’s request.

Step 1: Sign in to download Visio

  1. Go to www.office.com and if you’re not already signed in, select Sign in.
  2. Sign in with your UW credentials.
  3. After signing in, follow the steps below for the subscription version of Visio.

Visio Plan 2
Subscription version

  1. From the Office home page select Install Office apps > Other install options. (If you set a different start page, go to admin.microsoft.com/OLS/MySoftware.aspx.)
  3. Under Apps & Devices, select Visio. Choose the language and the bit version you want, then select Install. (To install 64-bit, under Version, select Advanced, choose 64-bit, and then select Install.)
  4. Tip: If Visio isn’t listed under the Software navigation heading on the left-side of your page, it probably means you don’t have a license. Check if you have a license and if you don’t, contact your admin and ask to have one assigned to you.

Visio should now begin downloading. Follow the prompts in Step 2 to complete the installation.

Step 2: Install Visio

  1. Depending on your browser, select Run (in Edge or Internet Explorer), Setup (in Chrome), or Save File (in Firefox).

If you see the User Account Control prompt that says, Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? select Yes.

The install begins.

  1. Your install is finished when you see the phrase, “You’re all set! Visio is installed now” and an animation plays to show you where to find the Visio app on your computer.

Follow the instructions in the window to find Visio, for example depending on your version of Windows, select Start and then scroll to find Visio from your list of apps.

  • No, there is no Mac version of Visio. However, Mac users can use Visio Online on the web.


Quick Facts

Available for

  • Students
  • Faculty
  • Staff

Platform

PC, Web Browser

Cost

Per User: $35 annually

Category:

  • Productivity

Documentation and Support