WD2002: Watermark and WordArt Objects Are Printed as Black Block

When you print a Microsoft Word document, and the document contains a watermark, or a WordArt object, the watermark or the WordArt object appears to be a solid black block.

This problem can occur with the following printers on the following operating systems:

• HP LaserJet 4MV with Microsoft Windows 2000
• HP LaserJet 4+ with Microsoft Windows 98 (Watermark is too dark)
• HP Color LaserJet 4500 with Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows 2000

The problem only occurs when the printer is not set to raster mode and the watermark is set to semitransparent, or the WordArt transparency is set to 50%.

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods.

Method 1: Update Printer Driver

Contact the manufacturer of your printer to determine if an updated printer driver is available to correct this problem. For information about how to contact your printer manufacturer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Method 2: Use Raster Mode

Set your printer graphics mode to raster. To change your printer graphics mode, use steps similar to the following (depending on your individual printer):

1. In Word, on the File menu, click Print.
2. In the Print dialog box, click Properties.
3. In the Printer Properties dialog box, click the Options tab.
4. In the Graphics Mode list, select Raster.

Method 3: Clear the Semitransparent Check Box

Do not use the Semitransparent option with a watermark. To insert a watermark without using the default Semitransparent option, follow these steps:

1. On the Format menu, point to Background, and then click Printed Watermark.
2. On the Printed Watermark dialog box, click Text watermark.
3. Click to clear the Semitransparent check box, and then click OK.

Method 4: Change Transparency Percentage

Do not set WordArt transparency format to 50%. To determine the transparency setting of a WordArt object, and change it if necessary, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the WordArt object. On the shortcut menu that appears, click Format WordArt.
2. In the Format WordArt dialog box, note the setting in the Transparency box, and change it if necessary.
3. Click OK.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

The third-party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.