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Can Microsoft Visio Website Mapping Start from a Subdirectory?
Question details
The user wants to know if Microsoft Visio's website mapping tool can be configured to start crawling from a specific subdirectory rather than the root domain.
- Product
- Microsoft Visio
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Generating a visual website map diagram using Microsoft Visio and attempting to limit the crawl scope to a targeted subfolder.
- Observed behavior
- The Visio website map tool defaults to mapping from the root domain and lacks a native option to restrict the initial crawl to a subdirectory.
Verify the exact URL structure of the website you intend to map, as understanding the site's hierarchy will make manual adjustments easier after generating the root map.
Map the Root Domain and Manually Trim (Workaround)
Since Visio natively forces mapping from the root domain, the official workaround is to map the entire site and manually delete unwanted sections, or submit a feature request.
Currently, the Microsoft Visio website map tool does not support starting a crawl from a subdirectory. It is hardcoded to map starting from the website's root domain.
To get a map of just your subdirectory, you must generate the full map first and remove the excess data. Additionally, Microsoft relies on user feedback to prioritize future updates, so submitting a feature request is highly encouraged.
Enter your website's primary root URL into the Visio website map tool and allow it to complete the full crawl.
Once the diagram is generated, click and drag to select the shapes, pages, and branches that belong to other directories, and press the Delete key to leave only your target subdirectory.
Visit the official Visio Feedback Portal online, search for 'website mapping subdirectory', and either vote for an existing request or submit a new one to help developers evaluate demand.
Try WPS Office for Your Diagramming and Documentation Needs
While automated website mapping might require specialized crawler tools, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible suite for all your documentation, spreadsheet analysis, and manual flowchart diagramming needs.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free installer and complete the setup process.
- 2. Open a Blank Document: Launch WPS Writer or WPS Presentation and create a new blank document to serve as your diagram canvas.
- 3. Access Diagram Tools: Navigate to the Insert tab on the top ribbon, click on Shapes, and select flowchart elements to manually map out your website's subdirectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party tools to map a subdirectory and import it into Visio?
Yes, you can use specialized third-party website crawling tools or XML sitemap generators that allow subdirectory targeting. You can then export that crawl data to Excel and use Visio's Data Visualizer feature to generate the map from the imported spreadsheet.
How do I stop Visio from mapping external links?
When using the Generate Site Map dialog box in Visio, click on 'Settings'. Under the options, you can uncheck the box for external links and adjust the maximum crawl levels to restrict how deep the tool maps the site.
Will Microsoft add subdirectory mapping to Visio in future updates?
Microsoft prioritizes feature development based on user demand. Submitting your request and having other users vote for it through the Visio Feedback Portal increases the likelihood of subdirectory mapping being added in a future update.
