WD97: Semitransparent Inline Graphics Display Incorrectly (172188)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q172188

SYMPTOMS

If you insert an inline (non-floating) graphic or object into a Word document, and make the graphic or object semitransparent, it may be displayed poorly on screen, although it is printed correctly.

CAUSE

When the semitransparent option is enabled, the image of the graphic or object may be incompletely redrawn, producing garbage on the image.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use either of the following methods.

Method 1: Do Not Use a Semitransparent Object

To make the object non-semitransparent, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the graphic or object, and then click Format <object or picture> on the shortcut menu.
  2. On the Colors And Lines tab, click to clear the Semitransparent check box, and then click OK.

Method 2: Convert the Inline Object to a Floating Object

Because this problem only affects inline objects, if you convert the object to a floating object, it will be displayed correctly. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click the graphic or object, and then click Format <object or picture> on the shortcut menu.
  2. Click the Position tab.
  3. Click to select the Float Over Text check box, and then click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows.

MORE INFORMATION

The semitransparent check box makes the fill color of the object partially transparent. If you clear the semitransparent check box, the fill color is completely opaque. If the object contains a gradient, texture, pattern, or picture fill effect, this check box is unavailable.

REFERENCES

For more information about the semitransparent fill option, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

162756 WD97: Drawing Objects Lost During Save to HTML

167095 OFF97: Semitransparent Fill in Embedded Object Is Printed Badly

159222 OFF97: Output Quality Problems Printing Drawing Objects

Or, click the Office Assistant, type "semitransparent," click Search, and then click one of the topics.

For more information about floating objects, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

167282 WD97: Equation Object Not Inserted/Pasted at Insertion Point

157667 WD97: Float Over Text Objects Cutoff in Online Layout View

161692 WD97: Problems with Float Over Text Objects

157119 WD97: WD97: Pictures Visible Even When Picture Placeholders Check Box Selected

167738 WD97: Can't See or Manipulate Objects (and Other Odd Behavior)

For more information about positioning objects, click the Office Assistant, type "float over text," click Search, and then click one of the following topics:

  • About positioning text and graphics
  • Type over existing text
  • Select text and graphics
  • Change a floating picture to an inline picture and vice-versa
NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Word Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/14/2000
Keywords:kbbug kbgraphic kbui kbusage KB172188
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.