Microsoft KB Archive/121286

PPT: Patterns Print Incorrectly as Black or Gray Shading

PSS ID Number: Q121286 Article last modified on 05-16-1998

windows:3.0,4.0,4.0a,4.0c

WINDOWS

================================================================ ==

The information in this article applies to:

 == Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 4.0c == 

= SYMPTOMS =

If you print patterned fills from PowerPoint on a system running Windows version 3.1 to a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet Series II, III, or 4 printer, the patterned fill in the printout may look more like a shade of gray or black, rather than the pattern displayed on the screen.

The graphics resolution of these printers can be adjusted to provide better pattern printing, without affecting the resolution at which text prints.

= STATUS =

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in PowerPoint for Windows versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, and 4.0c. This problem was corrected in PowerPoint version 7.0 for Windows 95.

= RESOLUTION =

PowerPoint 3.0 does not compensate for high-resolution devices when printing bitmap pattern fills. The graphics resolution of LaserJet Series II, III, and 4 printers (as well as LaserJet clones) can be changed to optimize the printing of pattern fills. Note that the LaserJet 4 must be set to Raster graphics mode to print these patterns.

PowerPoint 3.0
Use the following steps in PowerPoint 3.0 to change graphics resolution:


 * 1) From the File menu, choose Print.
 * 2) In the Print dialog, locate the Print Quality section. This is normally set to High or 300. Change this setting to “Low” or “75”, then choose OK to print.

If the pattern now prints too coarse, try setting the Print Quality to Medium or 150.

NOTE: If the resolution of the printer is not changed as described above, PowerPoint may override the new settings. In this case, the graphics resolution will be whatever is set in the Print Quality section of the Print dialog box.

PowerPoint 4.0
PowerPoint 4.0 improves printing of bitmap pattern fills to high resolution devices (up to 300 dpi). This makes patterns more useful when you print to the LaserJet Series II and III, but because the LaserJet 4 is capable of printing at 600 dpi, the pattern may still be too dense. One way to obtain a more satisfactory printed output is to change the Graphics Quality and print in Raster mode rather than HPGL/2. Use the following steps to change these driver settings:


 * 1) From PowerPoint’s File menu, choose Print.
 * 2) In the Print dialog, click the Printer button.
 * 3) In the Printer Setup dialog, click the Options button.
 * 4) In the HP LaserJet 4/4M dialog box, click the Options button.
 * 5) In the Options dialog box, switch the Graphics Mode setting from HPGL/2 to Raster.
 * 6) Switch the Graphics quality to Low.
 * 7) Click OK until you return to the Print dialog.
 * 8) Click OK to print the presentation.

Notice that the bitmap pattern fills now print in a resolution that is closer to your actual display resolution. If circles and diagonal lines look too jagged at this resolution, try switching the Graphics Quality (as defined in step 7 above) to Medium. This will render a more condensed pattern, but it should still be quite recognizable. If a coarser pattern is desired, leave the Graphics Quality setting at Low, but change the Printer Resolution setting from 600 to 300 in the HP LaserJet 4/4M dialog box mentioned in step 4 above.

When your results are acceptable, save the file. These printer settings will be saved with the file and your Windows default settings for the printer will not be changed.

= MORE INFORMATION =

For more information on the HP LaserJets, or to obtain the latest version of the LaserJet 4 driver, contact Hewlett-Packard technical support at (208) 323-2551.

Additional query words: 4.00 3.00 power point powerpt gray grey 4.00a 4.00c pattern black missing laserjet IV jet laser boxes box pattern winppt ====================================================================== Keywords : kbgraphic kbprint Version : windows:3.0,4.0,4.0a,4.0c Platform : WINDOWS Hardware : x86 Issue type : kbprb ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1998.