What you miss when you print slides using the default settings

By default, when you print a presentation, it does not print in high quality. What does this mean?

For the most part, you see the difference in shadows. Perspective and soft shadows on shapes and text don’t print unless you change the print setting to high quality. Have you ever tried to print a presentation and wondered, “Why don’t my shadows print?”

Shadows you created

Here are some shadows with a variety of blur settings, plus a perspective shadow.

What you see when you print

Here’s what you get when you print the slide.

Pretty sad, yes?

When you print, you can tell in advance if you’ll see the shadows. In PowerPoint 2007, choose Application button> Print and click Preview in the Print dialog box. In 2010, choose File> Print and you’ll see the preview on the right.

How to fix the shadows so they print properly

This issue is easy to fix,as long as you know where to look. You can print high quality for just the current presentation or for all presentations.

Here are the steps in PowerPoint 2007 & 2010 for just the current presentation:

1. Choose Application button or File> Print.
2. In 2007, the Print dialog box opens. Click the High Quality check box that the lower-right corner of the dialog box. In 2010, it’s harder to find. In the Settings section, click the 2nd drop-down list; by default it says Full Page Slides. Then choose High Quality at the bottom of the list.
3. Click Print or OK.

But I recommend setting the print quality to High Quality for all presentations. Why would you not want to print the shadows? Here are the steps:

1. Choose the Application button or File, then choose PowerPoint Options or Options.
2. Choose the Advanced category.
3. Under the Print section, check the High Quality check box.
4. Click OK.

Now you’re set for good!