removing shading in tables

[tatiana_varena]

In Word 2003, I downloaded the template Sales Receipt (Blue Gradient). I
want to remove the blue gradient from the 1st table. Is this possible? I've
tried everything I can think of and all the suggestions for removing shading
from tables, backgrounds, text, cells, etc. Any suggestions?

 

[Tony Jollans]

It's a picture - and not the easiest to pin down!

Hover your mouse just to the right of the left border of the second (right
hand) cell in the top row - and when it changes to an arrow-headed cross
hair, click it to select the picture - then delete or whatever you want to
do.

 

[hunguponword]

typically, removing shading involves simply highlighting the area shaded (you
can use the white arrow as described by Tony, or drag over the shaded text);
accessing the shading and borders window from the format menu or from the
shortcut (rightclick) menu"; selecting the shading tab; and, finally, setting
the shade to white (or no shade) and clicking OK. However, it might be that
the template picture is a mask--an area that has been protected as if
transparent masking tape was applied over it. To check whether the gradient
area has been masked, select/highlight it with the mouse pointer. If a
checkerboard-like array of diamond patterns (or any other unusual-looking
pattern) appears over the highlighted area, or any portion of that area, then
the pattern covered area has had a mask applied to it. This because the
creator did not intend that the graphical appearance be changed. Some photo
editing programs have capabilities for removing masks; you might try loading
the template image into such a photo processing application. For more info on
masks visit

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/aboutgraphics/l/aamasks1.htm

or search for info in Windows or the Web using search word "mask." Hope this
helps.

 

[hunguponword]

Tatania, here's something else I didn't see so far. Assuming you selected the
blue area and opened Borders & Shading (>Shading tab)--when you "tried
everything"--and selecting White (no shading) didn't--did you then also check
that Clear was selected in the Style portion of the Shading dialog? Or change
to that setting using the option list (spinner) if it wasn't?