Gradient transparency doesn't print properly

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Problem

You use the gradient transparent fills available in PowerPoint 2002 and up. Everything looks great on screen but when you print to a PostScript printer, your lovely transparency becomes an On/Off affair; it either shows what's behind it completely or not at all. If you print to a non-PostScript printer, the transparency effect may work somewhat better, but may be very "grainy" looking.

Solution

If you have PowerPoint 2007, put a check next to "High Quality" in the print dialog. If you this, your transparent gradients will print correctly.

Note: PowerPoint must send a LOT of extra data to the printer in order to make gradient transparency and the other high quality effects print properly. Your printouts will take longer as a result. Before printing, click "Preview" to get a very good idea what your printouts will look like.

If you use an earlier version of PowerPoint, try this on a copy of your presentation or add a duplicate slide to work on:

• Select the gradient filled shape and any other shapes behind it that it overlaps.
• Choose Edit, Copy from the main menu
• Choose Edit, Paste Special from the main menu
• In the Paste Special dialog box, choose "Picture (PNG)"
• Click OK
• Delete the original shapes you copied

Your slide should now print as you expect it to.

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