Chart lines shift when printing

[Darv]

Hi All,

When I print or print preview charts as objects on worksheets, some of
the straight lines shift, and even form bends in them. The problem
doesn't occur when the chart is created in it's own sheet. The problem
is the same no matter which printer I use, or when I output to pdf.

I'm running Office XP SP1. My company will not allow an upgrade to SP3
because it is too unstable. Is there anyone who has encountered this
annoying bug, and even better, been able to fix it? Does SP3 fix the
issue like Microsoft claim?

Cheers,

David

 

[Jon Peltier]

By chart lines, you mean lines you've drawn using Excel's drawing toolbar.
To avoid some of the shifting, you should select the chart prior to
selecting the drawing tool, so that the shape you draw will become part of
the embedded chart, rather than just floating along with it.

If the lines are horizontal or vertical (or even just defined by two
points), you should create them using a chart series, so they are linked to
a given position in the chart:

http://peltiertech.com/Excel/Charts/AddLine.html

- Jon

 

[Darv]

That's not what I mean, sorry for not specifiying it better. The lines
that shift and bend are actual series of my XY scatter graph. I am very
familiar with Excel and charting, and have never seen this before. The
lines all look fine in normal view, but when I print preview they move,
dissappear or bend. The problem is also present when printing directly.

Anyone ever seen this before??

David

 

[Jon Peltier]

Are you using smoothed lines?

I really have no idea....

- Jon

 

[Darv]

Nope, standard xy scatter graph lines. Have also tried to replot the
graph from scratch, same problem. I have found one other instance of
this by trawling through google groups, the person posted it in 2003
and had the same problems as me exactly. No solution was ever posted.

This is a mystery that is annoying me. Will try running it at home on
SP3 and let you know if that fixes it, for anyone else who has
encountered this. Maybe my version of Excel is unique, haha.

David