Ensuring a Smooth Print Process

The following are some tips to help ensure a smooth process in printing your PowerPoint presentation:

• If you want to continue working with PowerPoint while printing a large presentation, choose Tools, Options, and select Background Printing on the Print tab. With some printers, background printing can also be a setting of the printer itself. For example, if your printer enables you to set up print spooling, this has the same effect as background printing.

• If your print job is moving too slowly, turn off background printing.

Not printing fast enough? See “Speeding Up the Print Process” in the “Troubleshooting” section near the end of the chapter.

• Proof your presentation carefully before printing it to save time and money. Run the spelling and grammar checker, verify the content, look at the placement of all graphics, and ensure that the color scheme and design templates are appropriate. When you're confident about your presentation, then print.

• If the fonts in your presentation don't print out properly, try substituting other fonts. For example, if you don't use TrueType fonts and your printer can't recognize a font you selected, it prints a different font, one that may not be what you want. Embedding fonts as graphics is another way to avoid this problem.

What should you do if your graphics don't print in their entirety? See “Resolving Incomplete Graphics Printing” in the “Troubleshooting” section near the end of the chapter.

• If you're going to distribute notes or handouts to audience members, carefully consider the quality and color of paper you use. Although heavier paper might make attractive handouts, not all printers are equipped to handle the heavier weight. Specialty paper is also more expensive. In terms of color, light colors other than white can work well, but be wary of paper that's too dark or bright. It can make your presentation hard to read.