Blue Background Blues

Summary: The blue background option of Word works well unless you add a text box. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

If you converted from WordPerfect for DOS to Word, you may already be aware that you can configure Word to display white text on a blue background, rather than the regular dark text on a white background. While this can make you feel more at home (as you long for the "good old days" of WordPerfect for DOS), it can present a problem. (Click here to see a related figure.)

The problem rears its ugly head when you insert a text box into your document. By default, the background of a text box is white. This is no real problem, but the text you type in the text box also defaults to white. This means that you are now typing white text on a white background, which is impossible to see.

The way around this, of course, is to either explicitly change the color of the text in the text box, or revert to Word's standard display condition of dark text on a white background.

Tip #55 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

More Power! For some people, the prospect of creating Word macros can be scary. WordTips: The Macros can help you conquer your fears and you'll discover you're much more confident and productive as you make Word do exactly what you want. This is an invaluable source for learning macros. You are introduced to the topic in bite-sized chunks, pulled from past issues of WordTips. Learn at your own pace, exactly the way you want.

Check out WordTips: The Macros today!

Helpful Links

Newest Tips

Subscribe

RSS Feeds

Blue Background Blues