Microsoft KB Archive/278594

= Small Autoshapes appear distorted in PowerPoint =

Article ID: 278594

Article Last Modified on 6/5/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft PowerPoint 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

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This article was previously published under Q278594



SYMPTOMS
In Microsoft PowerPoint, inserted AutoShapes and other drawing objects may appear incomplete, distorted in shape, or even unrecognizable.



CAUSE
This issue may occur if the inserted object is relatively small, the line weight is heavy, and the line style is a form of dashed line. Line weight and dashed line style do not change in proportion to the size of the inserted object. For example, when you use the Dash line style, the dashes are each approximately 3/8 inches long. If you reduce the size of the object that is using the Dash line style to one-half its original size, the dashes are still approximately 3/8 inches long.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, follow these general rules:
 * For objects whose smallest dimension is less than 1 inch, use the continuous line style.
 * For objects whose smallest dimension is less than 1 inch, use a line weight of 2 points or less.
 * If the necessity of using a dashed line makes it difficult to recognize the shape of an object, consider adding color to the inserted shape.



MORE INFORMATION
To change the line weight and dashed style of an inserted shape, follow these steps:

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007

 * 1) Open the slide that contains the object that you want to change.
 * 2) Double-click the object that you want to change.
 * 3) On the Format tab, click Shape Outline in the Shape Styles area.
 * 4) Click Weight, and then select the line weight that you want.
 * 5) Click Line, and then select the dashed style that you want.
 * 6) Click OK.

Microsoft PowerPoint 2002

 * 1) Open the slide that contains the object that you want to change.
 * 2) Double-click the object.

The Format AutoShape dialog box appears.
 * 1) Click the Colors and Lines tab.
 * 2) Under Line, in the Weight box, select the line weight that you want.
 * 3) Under Line, in the Dashed box, select the Dashed style that you want.
 * 4) Click OK.

Additional query words: PPT2002 PPT prb PPT2007

Keywords: kbprb KB278594

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