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How to Select Multiple Visio Shapes Using Touch Controls

Amos Gikunda Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to select multiple shape objects simultaneously while using a touchscreen interface in Microsoft Visio.

How to Select Multiple Visio Shapes Using Touch

Product: Microsoft Visio
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing diagrams on a touch-enabled device and needing to highlight several shape objects at once for grouping or batch formatting.
Observed behavior: Successfully highlighting multiple objects using coordinated touch gestures without losing the initial selection.

Before you start

Ensure your device's touchscreen is clean and responsive, and verify that the touch input mode is actively enabled in your Microsoft Visio interface.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Touch-and-Hold Method for Multi-Selection

Use this built-in multi-touch gesture to select additional shapes without dropping the selection of the first shape.

Selecting multiple objects with a mouse usually involves holding the Shift or Ctrl key. On a touchscreen, Visio requires a specific coordinated two-finger gesture to replicate this multi-select functionality.

Hold the first shape

Touch and hold your finger on the first shape you want to select. Keep your finger pressed against the screen so the shape remains highlighted.

Tap additional shapes

While continuing to hold the first shape with your primary finger, use another finger to tap and briefly hold each additional shape you want to add to your selection.

Release fingers sequentially

Release your second finger from the additional shapes one by one, and finally release your primary finger from the original shape. All tapped objects will now be selected together.

Use the Touch-and-Hold Method for Multi-Selection

Troubleshooting Touch Input: If multi-selection still fails, check your device's touchscreen input settings or verify that your specific version of Microsoft Visio supports advanced multi-touch gestures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my selection disappear when I tap a second shape in Visio?

This typically happens if you lift your primary finger from the first shape before tapping the second one. You must maintain continuous contact with the original shape to keep the multi-select action active.

Can I use a stylus to select multiple shapes in Microsoft Visio?

Yes, you can use a stylus to lasso multiple shapes if the lasso select tool is active. Alternatively, you can use a combination of touch (holding the first shape with your finger) and the stylus (tapping additional shapes), depending on your device's palm rejection settings.

Is there a way to select all shapes on the screen at once using touch?

To select all shapes quickly, you can expand the 'Editing' menu on the Home tab of the ribbon and tap 'Select All', rather than tapping each shape individually with multi-touch gestures.

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