Invisible drawings

[Tim Ferguson]

Sorry if this is a FAQ -- I've looked at the answers to missing graphics
here

http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/DrwGrphcs/InvisibleGraphics.htm

but there is something else going on for me.

I have Word 2002 sp3, in normal view and various types of graphics
arranged in-line. Some of these to appear normally: bitmaps, photos,
WordArt, wmf clip art. Equation Editor objects do appear, but with a
heavy grey background (which is also apparent in print layout view, so I
guess it's deliberate).

However, drawing objects and organisation charts appear completely
transparent: there is a big gap in the text where they are, and they go
black when selected, but nothing of the actual drawing itself. All is
normal in print layout and print preview and on paper. But it's a pain
because I nearly always work in normal view. I have options -> Drawings
ON and placeholders OFF.

My memory -- which may well be wrong -- is that this did not happen
before installing the latest SP3.

Is there anything I can try, to get around this?

Thanks in advance.


Tim F

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

If the drawings are wrapped, they will not be displayed in Normal view.

 

[Tim Ferguson]

If the drawings are wrapped, they will not be displayed in Normal
view.

Thank you for replying, but I'm afraid I don't completely understand the
answer. There is no wrapping in the sense of text-wrapping; I am talking
about drawing objects that, for example, take up less than half a line.
In the object-packaging sense, they are not wrapped up; I create them by
using Insert -> Picture -> New Drawing. The mode changes to print layout
and I can see and edit it. Then I change back to normal and it's
invisible or black.

Thanks again

Tim F

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Objects in the drawing layer are not displayed in Normal view. A drawing is
always in the drawing layer, even when you're using a drawing canvas (which
is what you get if you use Insert | Picture | New Drawing) and the canvas is
formatted as In Line With Text. I agree that this is confusing and
misleading, but that's the way it works.

 

[Tim Ferguson]

Objects in the drawing layer are not displayed in Normal view. A
drawing is always in the drawing layer, even when you're using a
drawing canvas (which is what you get if you use Insert | Picture |
New Drawing) and the canvas is formatted as In Line With Text. I agree
that this is confusing and misleading, but that's the way it works.

Shame. This seems a step backwards rather than forwards. I used to have a
vba macro to turn selected Shape objects into InLineShape objects (I think,
it was a long time ago). Would that be worth worth having a look at for
this -- from what you way above, I guess not?

Best wishes


Tim F