WD97: Text Disappears Behind Floating Object (179185)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

This article was previously published under Q179185

SYMPTOMS

When a floating object is placed over a single line of text, the text may disappear.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the following conditions are true:

  • The floating object has a Tight or Through wrapping style applied to it.

    -and-
  • The floating object is placed over a single-line paragraph that has Space After formatting applied to it.
NOTE: This problem may occur with a drawing object, AutoShape, text box, or picture.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the method appropriate to your situation.

Method 1: Remove the Space After Paragraph Formatting

If Space After formatting is applied to the paragraph, follow these steps to remove it:

  1. In page layout view, move the object away from the text that disappeared.

    The text should reappear.
  2. Select the text.
  3. On the Format menu, click Paragraph.
  4. On the Indents And Spacing tab, under Spacing, change the After box to 0 pt, and then click OK.
  5. Move the object back over the text as appropriate.

Method 2: Remove the Tight or Through Wrapping Style from the Object

If a Tight or Through Wrapping Style is applied to the object, follow these steps to remove the style:

  1. In page layout view, select the object.
  2. On the Format menu, click one of the following:

    • Text Box
    • Picture
    • AutoShape
    • Object


    NOTE: Depending on the object selected, one of these object types will appear at the bottom of the Format menu.
  3. On the Wrapping tab, click to select either Square, None, or Top & Bottom under Wrapping Style, and then click OK.
NOTE: When you remove the Tight or Through wrapping style, the text should reappear.

Method 3: Convert the Text Box to a Frame

If the object is in a text box, convert the text box to a frame. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. In page layout view, select the text box.
  2. On the Format menu, click Text Box, and then click the Text Box tab.
  3. Click Convert To Frame.
  4. Click OK.
NOTE: You can use the Frame command on the Format menu to size, position, and wrap text around the contents of the frame.

Method 4: Move or Resize the Object

Move the object to a different position on the page, or change the size of the object. This may allow the text to appear.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB179185