XL: Chart Labels Print Inside a White Box

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
• Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you print or print preview a chart in Microsoft Excel, data labels within the chart may print inside a white box.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the data labels exist in front of a shaded area in the chart: for example, the plot area.

WORKAROUND

Set the background of the labels to Transparent to prevent this problem:

1. In the chart, double-click the axis to which the labels are attached, or double-click the labels themselves (if they are attached to a series).

2. Click the Font tab.

3. In the Background list, click Transparent.

4. Click OK.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel versions 5.0, 7.0, and 97.

MORE INFORMATION

When you print a chart in Microsoft Excel, data labels that exist in front of a shaded area in the chart print inside of a white box. This occurs because labels may not appear correctly if they print in front of a shaded background. Printing the labels inside a white box assures that the labels print clearly and legibly.

If you format your labels to have a Transparent background, they may not print correctly if your printer prints at a resolution of 300 dots per inch or lower, or if the labels' color is very similar to the background color.