Gray or Poor Output Printing Color Text on Noncolor Printer (112779)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q112779

SYMPTOMS

When you print color text on a noncolor printer, the output may be very poor quality. This happens with text to which you apply color font formatting and when you use color text to mark revisions.

CAUSE

This happens on some printers if the "Print colors as black on noncolor printers" option in the Compatibility Options dialog box is turned off. When this setting is off, Word prints colors in gray scale on noncolor printers. On some printers, gray text prints very poorly at certain resolutions. For example, gray text may print poorly at 300 dpi resolution and print clearly at 600 dpi resolution. In some cases, one color may print acceptably while another prints poorly (again, depending on the printer).

RESOLUTION

If you are using a low printer resolution setting, switch to a higher setting in the Printer Setup dialog box and try printing the document again. You may also obtain better results if you format the text for a different color.

If you cannot obtain acceptable gray output, you can turn on the "Print colors as black on noncolor printers" option using the following instructions:
  1. From the Tools menu, choose Options.
  2. Select the Compatibility tab.
  3. From the Recommended Options For list, select Word for Windows 6.0.
  4. Select the "Print colors as black on noncolor printers" option so the box contains an X, and then choose OK.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, page 581
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/16/2005
Keywords:kbprint KB112779
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