M
Mark Lincoln
I tried to find a way to get Excel to refrain from distorting
AutoShapes when it prints. I found several queries but no good answer,
so I experimented a bit. To work around the problem, one must distort
the AutoShapes on the screen in order for them to look properly
proportioned on paper.
For example, if I draw an oval with height and width dimensions of 2
inches each (which is, of course, a circle), what prints out is an oval
measuring about 1-15/16" H x 2-1/8" W. To get a two-inch circle, I
right-click the graphic, then click Format AutoShape on the contextual
dialog (or go to Format|AutoShape... on the menu bar). On the Size
tab, under Scale, I set the Height to 103% and the Width to 94%. This
results in a very close approximation to a 2" circle. (If I need more
precision, I'll open an application designed for it.)
To simplify: If you wish to draw an AutoShape that will have the
(nearly) correct dimensions in print, draw it to the actual dimensions
you desire, then change its Height to 103% and its Width to 94%.
It's easier to create circles or squares to actually look like circles
and squares in print if you aren't concerned with their actual
dimensions. Draw the graphic, then on the Scale tab in Format
AutoShape either change the Width to 91% - OR - change the Height to
110%. Do one or the other, but not both. Again, the circle or square
won't be perfect, but you'll need to measure it to be able to tell for
sure.
HTH
AutoShapes when it prints. I found several queries but no good answer,
so I experimented a bit. To work around the problem, one must distort
the AutoShapes on the screen in order for them to look properly
proportioned on paper.
For example, if I draw an oval with height and width dimensions of 2
inches each (which is, of course, a circle), what prints out is an oval
measuring about 1-15/16" H x 2-1/8" W. To get a two-inch circle, I
right-click the graphic, then click Format AutoShape on the contextual
dialog (or go to Format|AutoShape... on the menu bar). On the Size
tab, under Scale, I set the Height to 103% and the Width to 94%. This
results in a very close approximation to a 2" circle. (If I need more
precision, I'll open an application designed for it.)
To simplify: If you wish to draw an AutoShape that will have the
(nearly) correct dimensions in print, draw it to the actual dimensions
you desire, then change its Height to 103% and its Width to 94%.
It's easier to create circles or squares to actually look like circles
and squares in print if you aren't concerned with their actual
dimensions. Draw the graphic, then on the Scale tab in Format
AutoShape either change the Width to 91% - OR - change the Height to
110%. Do one or the other, but not both. Again, the circle or square
won't be perfect, but you'll need to measure it to be able to tell for
sure.
HTH