XL: Chart Labels Print Inside a White Box

ID: Q159780

The information in this article applies to:

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

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel.

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).

3. In the Background list, click Transparent.

4. Click OK.

The labels should now print and print preview correctly.

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.

Additional query words: XL97 prints axes rotated angled 8.00

Keywords          : kbprint kbualink97 xlchart xlprint 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0,7.0a,97
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: May 24, 1999