Microsoft KB Archive/124925

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

MXL5: Pie Chart Imported from Excel 4.0 Printed in All Black
Last reviewed: April 17, 1996

Article ID: Q124925

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0

SYMPTOMS
If you are using Microsoft Excel 5.0 for the Macintosh, and you open a Microsoft Excel version 4.0 file that contains an embedded pie chart, the printed chart may print out as a solid black circle.

This problem occurs if your printer options are set to Black & White and you are using the Apple LaserWriter version 7.2 printer driver.

CAUSE
The default colors for pie charts in Microsoft Excel 4.0 are different from those in Microsoft Excel 5.0. When you open the file containing the embedded pie chart in Microsoft Excel 5.0, the colors in the chart are not automatically converted to the new default colors.

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

Method 1: Use the AutoFormat feature to update the colors in the chart:

1. To activate the chart in Microsoft Excel 5.0, double-click the embedded chart.

2. From the Format menu, choose AutoFormat.

3. In the AutoFormat dialog box, choose OK.

The colors in the pie chart will revert to the standard colors for Microsoft Excel 5.0, and you should now be able to print the pie chart with the correct shades of gray.

4. From the File menu, choose Print, and in the Print dialog box, choose Print. Method 2: Change the printer options in the Print Options dialog box:

1. From the File menu, choose Print.

2. In the Printer dialog box that comes up, choose the Options button.

3. In the Print Options dialog box, choose Color/Grayscale, and then choose OK.

4. Choose the Print button. Method 3: Use an updated LaserWriter printer driver, such as version 8.2.

The pie chart should now be printed in the appropriate shades of gray (on a black and white printer).