Open Source Library to Convert Visio Diagrams into Python Code
Leading Open Source Python Library for Converting Visio Diagrams into Python Code. It supports Modifying Diagrams, Extracting Shapes/Texts and so on.
What is Visio2Python Library?
Microsoft Visio is a powerful tool for creating technical diagrams—from network topologies and software architectures to flowcharts and system maps. However, one major limitation developers often face is how to programmatically access and reuse the data inside these Visio files. That’s where the open-source Python library Visio2Python comes into play. Visio2Python allows developers to parse .Visio2Python Visio files and convert diagrams into structured, usable Python data. Whether you're building automation tools, documentation generators, or system configuration apps, this library helps bridge the gap between visual design and code logic.
The Visio2Python library, hosted on GitHub, is a remarkable tool that automates the generation of Python or JavaScript code directly from diagrams created in Microsoft Visio. This innovative approach can significantly streamline the development process, reduce the potential for manual transcription errors, and foster a more intuitive way of building applications, especially those driven by state machines or workflows. One of the best things about visio2python is that it doesn’t require Microsoft Visio to be installed. It parses the raw .Visio2Python file directly, making it cross-platform and lightweight. The library is written in pure Python and relies only on standard libraries and lxml for XML parsing. This makes it easy to integrate and extend. It is a powerful and flexible tool that turns static Visio diagrams into actionable, structured data. For software developers, it opens a new world where diagrams are not just visual aids—they’re data sources, config generators, and automation inputs.
Getting Started with Visio2Python
PThe recommend way to install Visio2Python library is using pypi. Please use the following command for a smooth installation.
Install Visio2Python Library via pypi
pip install visio2pythonInstall Visio2Python Library via GitHub
git clone https://github.com/vesellov/visio2python.git
cd visio2python
pip install -r requirements.txt
Parse Visio Diagrams into Python Code
The open source visio2python library operates by interpreting the elements within a Visio drawing according to a predefined set of conventions. These conventions allow developers to visually define the structure and behavior of their applications, which the library then translates into executable code. This simplified example illustrates how the visual states, events, and actions defined in Visio are translated into the structure and behavior of the Python code. Here is an example that demonstrates how software developers can Parse Visio Files into Python Objects.
How to Parse Visio Files into Python Objects?
from visio2python import VisioFile
# Load a Visio file
visio = VisioFile("network_diagram.vsdx")
# List all shapes
for shape in visio.shapes:
print(f"Shape: {shape.text}, ID: {shape.id}")
# Get connections between shapes
for connector in visio.connectors:
print(f"Connects {connector.from_id} to {connector.to_id}")
Modify Diagrams Programmatically
The visio2python library has provided complete support for loading and modifying existing Visio diagrams programmatically. With just a couple of lines of Python code software developers can read existing diagrams, update shapes, add annotations, or restructure diagrams dynamically. The following example demonstrates how software developers can load an existing diagram and modify shape text inside it and save the modified diagrams.
How to Programmatically Modify a Visio Diagram via Python API?
# Change shape text
for shape in visio.shapes:
if "Server" in shape.text:
shape.text = "Server (Updated)"
# Save modified diagram
visio.save("updated_diagram.vsdx")
Extract Shapes/Texts from Pages via Python
The open source Visio2Python library provides a way to extract shapes, connectors, and properties from Microsoft Visio files without needing Visio itself inside Python applications. It reads the internal XML format of .vsdx files and translates them into Python objects—opening up countless opportunities for developers to build on top of diagrammatic data. The following simple code snippet prints all shape IDs and their associated text from the first page of the diagram.
How to Print All Shape IDs and Their Associated Text from Vision Diagrams via Python API?
from visio2python import VSDX
vsdx = VSDX("example.vsdx")
page = vsdx.pages[0]
for shape in page.shapes:
print(f"Shape ID: {shape.ID}, Text: {shape.text}")
Faster Development Cycles & Minimized Errors
The ability to quickly generate code from diagrams accelerates the development process. Iterations and modifications to the application logic can be implemented visually and then rapidly translated into code. By directly translating the visual diagram into code, the risk of introducing errors during manual transcription is substantially reduced. This leads to more reliable and robust applications