XL97: Shaded Objects Printed Differently from Earlier Versions

• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you print a workbook that contains shaded or patterned objects, such as lines or rectangles, the objects may be printed differently in Microsoft Excel 97 compared to earlier versions of Microsoft Excel. For example, patterned objects may be printed with a dithered pattern instead of a solid gray shade, or the objects may be printed in black with streaks of white (on a printer with a resolution of 600 dots per inch or higher).

CAUSE

Microsoft Excel version 7.0 prints patterned objects with a solid shade and does not render the pattern. This behavior is corrected in Microsoft Excel 97.

MORE INFORMATION

The ability to print patterned objects is provided in Microsoft Excel 97. In Microsoft Excel 7.0, the patterns are not rendered properly. Because of this behavior, patterns are not printed properly. In Microsoft Excel 7.0, patterned objects are printed with a solid gray shade or with black and white streaks.

NOTE: Printed output varies depending on the resolution and other settings of the specific printer you are using.

Creating a Patterned Object in Microsoft Excel 7.0 or 5.0

To create a patterned object, follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Excel 5.0 or 7.0.

2. On the View menu, click Toolbars, click to select the Drawing check box, and then click OK.

3. Click Rectangle on the Drawing toolbar and draw a rectangle on the worksheet.

4. With the rectangle selected, click Object on the Format Menu.

5. Click the Patterns tab. Under Fill, select any pattern in the first three rows in the Pattern box. Click OK.

Creating a Patterned Object in Microsoft Excel 97

To create a patterned object, follow these steps:

1. Start Microsoft Excel 97.

2. On the View menu, point to Toolbars, and click Drawing if it is not selected.

3. Click Rectangle on the Drawing toolbar and draw a rectangle on the worksheet.

4. With the rectangle selected, click Autoshape on the Format Menu.

5. Click the Colors and Lines tab. Under Fill, click Fill Effects in the Color box.

6. Click the Pattern tab, select a pattern, and then click OK. Click OK.