WD97: Semitransparent Inline Graphics Display Incorrectly

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

If you insert an inline (non-floating) graphic or object into a Word document, and make the graphic or object semitransparent, it may be displayed poorly on screen, although it is printed correctly.

CAUSE

When the semitransparent option is enabled, the image of the graphic or object may be incompletely redrawn, producing garbage on the image.

WORKAROUND

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

Method 1: Do Not Use a Semitransparent Object

To make the object non-semitransparent, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the graphic or object, and then click Format <object or picture> on the shortcut menu.

2. On the Colors And Lines tab, click to clear the Semitransparent check box, and then click OK.

Method 2: Convert the Inline Object to a Floating Object

Because this problem only affects inline objects, if you convert the object to a floating object, it will be displayed correctly. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the graphic or object, and then click Format <object or picture> on the shortcut menu.

2. Click the Position tab.

3. Click to select the Float Over Text check box, and then click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The semitransparent check box makes the fill color of the object partially transparent. If you clear the semitransparent check box, the fill color is completely opaque. If the object contains a gradient, texture, pattern, or picture fill effect, this check box is unavailable.

REFERENCES

For more information about the semitransparent fill option, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE ID: Q162756
   TITLE     : WD97: Drawing Objects Lost During Save to HTML

   ARTICLE ID: Q167095
   TITLE     : OFF97: Semitransparent Fill in Embedded Object Is Printed
               Badly

   ARTICLE ID: Q159222
   TITLE     : OFF97: Output Quality Problems Printing Drawing Objects

For more information about floating objects, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE ID: Q167282
   TITLE     : WD97: Equation Object Not Inserted/Pasted at Insertion Point

   ARTICLE ID: Q157667
   TITLE     : WD97: Float Over Text Objects Cutoff in Online Layout View

   ARTICLE ID: Q161692
   TITLE     : WD97: Problems with Float Over Text Objects

   ARTICLE-ID: Q157119
   TITLE     : WD97: WD97: Pictures Visible Even When Picture Placeholders
               Check Box Selected

   ARTICLE ID: Q167738
   TITLE     : WD97: Can't See or Manipulate Objects (and Other Odd
               Behavior)

• About positioning text and graphics
• Type over existing text
• Select text and graphics
• Change a floating picture to an inline picture and vice-versa

   ARTICLE-ID: Q120802
   TITLE     : Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office
               Program or Component