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Fix WordArt Not Printing in Microsoft Word 2024
Question details
Users are unable to print documents containing WordArt or export them to PDF, as the WordArt elements do not render in the final output.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2024
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a document or export it to PDF when the document contains WordArt, often used as a watermark.
- Observed behavior
- The WordArt does not appear on the printed pages, and exporting the document to PDF fails or results in missing elements. This occurs in both new documents and preview builds of Office 2024.
Verify that your printer drivers are up to date and check if your document uses WordArt as a background watermark, as this often requires specific print settings to be enabled.
Enable Print Background Colors and Images
Word treats watermarks and certain WordArt graphics as background images. Enabling this print setting allows them to appear on printed pages and exported PDFs.
In many cases, WordArt inserted as a watermark is classified as a background element by Microsoft Word. By default, Word may disable printing background colors and images to save ink. Turning this feature on often resolves both the printing and PDF export failures.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner of Microsoft Word, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced' tab in the left-hand pane.
Scroll down to the 'Print' section. Check the box next to 'Print background colors and images'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Try printing your document or exporting it to PDF again to see if the WordArt now appears.
Update Microsoft Office 2024
Install the latest Office updates to patch known defects in the Office 2024 Preview and Professional Plus editions.
Print and Export Word Documents Flawlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word 2024 is failing to print your WordArt or watermarks due to known software defects, try WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that accurately renders, prints, and exports your documents to PDF without missing graphical elements.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and install the free WPS Office suite.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the .docx file containing your WordArt.
- 3. Print or Export to PDF: Click 'Print' or 'Export to PDF' from the menu. WPS Office bypasses the Microsoft Office rendering bugs, ensuring your WordArt prints successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my watermark not showing up when I print my Word document?
Watermarks and some WordArt elements are treated as background graphics by Microsoft Word. If the 'Print background colors and images' setting is disabled in your advanced print options, these elements will be omitted from the printed page to save ink.
Can I save a Word document with WordArt as a PDF if printing fails?
In some preview and early builds of Office 2024, a known bug causes both physical printing and PDF exporting to fail when certain WordArt is present. Enabling background printing often serves as a workaround for both issues.
Is the WordArt printing bug fixed in the final release of Office 2024?
This issue has been heavily reported by users on the Office 2024 Preview and Professional Plus builds. It is highly recommended to keep your Office installation updated via File > Account > Update Options to ensure you receive official patches.
Does this printing issue affect older versions of Microsoft Word?
While missing background colors can happen in older versions if settings are configured incorrectly, the specific bug causing PDF export failure alongside missing WordArt is primarily reported in Microsoft Office 2024 builds.
