Highlighted text is improperly displayed in .pdf format | OneNote 2016 | Office Professional Plus 2019

Question

This was originally asked in answers.microsoft.com

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When I export pages of notes from Microsoft OneNote, I notice text I highlighted is covered up, making it appear opaque and difficult to read.

To replicate this bug, I use a highlighter pen whose color value is very bright, and export the page as a .pdf document.

A fix would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

Note seen in OneNote (top) ; Note seen in .pdf (bottom)

Edition Windows 10 Pro

Version 21H2

Installed on ‎9/‎14/‎2020

OS build 19044.2846

Serial number 031221502057

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0

Answer 1

Hi @DeeDee ,

I can also reproduce this issue on my end. I didn't notice such scenario before, and I cannot find a MS article which explains this.

I'm afraid currently there is no fix for this scenario and there isn't any setting which affects this. The alternative way is that you can export the page to other file types like .mht. As per my test, the content under highlighted pen shows perfectly.

If you insist on .pdf file, you can go to File >> Feedback to report this scenario to Microsoft. Responsible suggestions/requests go directly to the MS development team for consideration.

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Answer 2

I'm also affected by this issue, both on my desktop pc and my surface pro 9 (I write on them both, on the first one with a graphic tablets). It's hardly a "scenario", since I think it's very common to write and highlight text and print a pdf! As a teacher, it's something I do on a daily basis.

One note view (-->ok)

Zoomed in

Print --> Microsoft print to pdf

pdf zoomed in

I've just noticed that if you export the pdf file directly from onenote the result (even if not perfect, the black is somehow "washed") is clearly better.

Zoomed in

Let me know if you found some solution to this issue. Thanks.