Apply background to table cell 1

[scc]

Using Microsoft Word, can you apply a background to a cell in a table? If so, how?

 

[cmhunt]

Highlight the cell you want to colour. On the Tables and Borders toolbar, there's a fill icon. Click and select the colour you want - hey presto!!

Thanks

Chris

 

[scc]

Thanks for replying, but I really don't want a solid color, I want a picture for the background.

Sorry I wasn't more specific.

 

[macropod]

Hi,

Insert the picture into the document & set its size to match the cell. Next, change the layout to 'in front of text' and position it over the cell. Once in position, change the layout to 'behind text'.

Cheers

 

[dcompto]

In the table cell where you want to insert a picture as a background,
Click Table > AutoFit > Set Column Width
This will force the picture to auto-size to fit the cell
Insert > Picture > From File
Browse and insert the picture

NOTES:
The picture will be inserted In-line with text and a right-click on the picture will not display the menu from which to choose "Format Picture". Instead, double-click the picture to get the "Format Picture" dialog box.

Now, you can change the Layout to Behind text, although in Word 2000, I have to select "Behind text" TWICE because the first time it doesn't "stick".

After changing the Layout to "Behind text", double-clicking the picture will no longer open the "Format Picture dialog box". You FIRST have to click on the "Select Objects" arrow on the Draw toolbar then double-click the picture.

 

[scc]

I was able to get this to look fine on this screen.

Was able to get this to look fine on print preview.

HOWEVER, when I print, any of the cells that has a picture as the "background" on which the layout is formated as behind the text, the text doesn't print. In preview, it shows just as I want it, but printing only prints the graphics in these cells and not the text.

Any ideas? I'm using Word 2000.

Thanks

 

[dcompto]

Try selecting the background image and setting its Wrapping style to "Behind text" AND REPEAT THE SAME STEPS A SECOND TIME. See the explanation in "Method 1" of the following MSKB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;212019&Product=wrd20

 

[scc]

I have done step 4 (layout/text behind/ok) more times than I can count. But I just did it again twice and reprinted. Same thing... preview shows its fine (pic is behind text), however, when printing it does not print the test.

Frustrating... (thanks for the link, I did check it out, but didn't help!)

 

[macropod]

Hi scc,

This may be a problem with your printer settings. If your printer has an option like 'text over graphics', try changing the current setting. Similarly, if there is an option to send fonts as bitmaps, try changing the current setting for that.

Cheers

 

[scc]

I ended up putting the text in a text box and placing it over the graphic and it worked fine.

Thanks for your help. I'm wondering if it is a service pack issue... seems like I remember something like that in the past, and I know I haven't applied any service packs (yet!).