Gradient transparency doesn't print properly
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.