WordArt object created in an earlier version looks different in Publisher 2002 and in Publisher 2003 (292260)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Publisher 2002
  • Microsoft Office Publisher 2003
This article was previously published under Q292260

SYMPTOMS

When you open a publication in Microsoft Publisher 2002 or in Microsoft Office Publisher 2003 that was created in an earlier version of Publisher, WordArt objects appear differently than they did in the earlier version. For example, the WordArt object may:
  • Look taller.
  • Look larger.
  • Be positioned lower.
Also, a shadow effect, if applied to a WordArt object, may appear smaller or shorter.

CAUSE

Publisher 2002 and Publisher 2003 use a new process to create WordArt objects. The new method lets you change the text of older WordArt objects and apply new graphic effects.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain and install the Publisher 2000 Add-in: WordArt Compatibility located at the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=897AA11B-A37D-4586-A1A7-54BBEA375AE2&displaylang=en

This add-in lets you open Publisher 2000 files in a more recent version of Microsoft Publisher without updating the WordArt that is contained in the publication. This gives you the control to disable the automatic WordArt conversion from the legacy WordArt format (version 4.2) to the new WordArt format.

You cannot edit your previous WordArt objects unless you first remove the Publisher add-in from Add/Remove Programs. When this add-in is removed, Publisher will start converting all WordArt objects from Publisher 2000 and earlier again.

Note For Publisher 2002, you must have Microsoft Office Service Pack 2 or later versions installed.


For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

307841 How to obtain the latest Office XP Service Pack

WORKAROUND

If you do not want Publisher 2002 or Publisher 2003 to convert the WordArt object when you open your publication, convert the WordArt object to a picture in the earlier version of Publisher.To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Run the version of Publisher that was used to create the original WordArt object. Open the file that contains the WordArt object.
  2. Select the WordArt object.
  3. On the Edit menu, click Cut.
  4. On the Edit menu, click Paste Special.
  5. In the Paste Special dialog box, click Picture.
  6. Click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

If you plan to have the publication printed by a commercial printer, let the commercial printer know which version of Publisher to use to open the file.

Both Publisher 2002 and Publisher 2000 can be installed on the same computer. Each version should be installed in its own folder.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/26/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbbug kbfix kbOfficeXPsp2fix KB292260
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