PPT2000: Object with White Text, Black Background Is Printed Solid Black (198206)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2000

This article was previously published under Q198206

SYMPTOMS

When you use a black and white printer to print a text box that has a black fill and contains white text, the text box is printed entirely black. This means that you cannot read the text.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the Grayscale check box is selected in the Print dialog box. This option instructs the printer to print black on black. It is selected by default when you select a black and white printer driver.

RESOLUTION

To print the object so that white text is printed on a black background, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Turn Off the Grayscale Print Option

  1. On the File menu, click Print.
  2. Click to clear the Grayscale check box.
  3. Click OK.

Method 2: Use Black And White View

NOTE: Black And White view allows you to see what the object looks like when printed in black and white, but it does not change the way the presentation looks in color.
  1. On the View menu, click Black And White.

    The objects on the slide now appear as they will be printed on a black and white printer. You will not be able to see the white text at this point.
  2. Right-click the object, point to Black and White, and then click Grayscale.

    The white text is now visible and the object will print correctly.

Method 3: Merge the Presentation to a New File

NOTE: This method assumes that some damage exists in the presentation file. Try Method 1 and Method 2 before you try this method.
  1. Create a blank presentation.
    1. On the File menu, click New.
    2. Click the General tab, select Blank Presentation, and click OK.
    3. Select the Blank AutoLayout, and click OK.
  2. On the Insert menu, click Slides From Files, and then click the Find Presentation tab.
  3. Click Browse. Select the presentation you want and click Open.
  4. In the Slide Finder dialog box, click Display.
  5. Click Insert All.

    All of the slides in your presentation are inserted into the new presentation.
  6. Click Close.
  7. Apply the original presentation as a template.
    1. On the Format menu, click Apply Design.
    2. Select your presentation and then click Apply.
  8. Delete the blank slide you created in step 1.
    1. On the View menu, click Slide Sorter.
    2. Select the blank slide.
    3. On the Edit menu, click Delete Slide.
  9. Follow the steps under Method 2.
The object should now be printed correctly.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/30/2000
Keywords:kbbug KB198206