File created in Publisher does not keep transparent image as transparent when saved as pdf

[TemimaHighSchool]

I created a file in Publisher 2016 and used an image as a background with text on top. I adjusted the image to 70% transparency so it's nice and light as a background. After saving my file as a .pub I did a 'save as' to make a .pdf file to send via email. I do this ALL THE TIME without ever having a problem.

For the last week or so when I have done this, the pdf has the background image as 0% transparency leaving the text unreadable. I have tried the following:

• restarting my computer (Windows 10)
• using 0% transparency but adjusting the brightness and contrast of the image
• unchecking the button "ISO 19005-1 compliant (PDF/A)" which was a suggestion I found someplace online when I googled the problem
• trying to 'print to pdf' instead of 'save as pdf' (when I print straight from Publisher to my printer, the image prints as I intended - as a light background image)
• updating my Adobe pdf software
• begging, crying, cursing and offering up my first-born child to the computer gods

Thanks for any help!!

[Dov Isaacs]

Note that the PDF files produced by Microsoft Publisher 2016 using the “save as PDF” feature do not involve any Adobe software at all in the production process. How, when, and why that feature does or does not preserve transparency is an issue that you would better bring up on a Microsoft forum or with Microsoft Technical Support. In terms of printing to the Adobe PDF PostScript printer driver instance, that is a PostScript route which be definition does not preserve transparency.

          - Dov

[TemimaHighSchool]

Thank you, Dov!

Do you know, then, why this is happening even when I don't make the image transparent but instead I adjust the brightness and contrast which should not effect the transparency?

[Dov Isaacs]

Without the actual files, can't really tell. Again, since the PDF is being generated by Microsoft (or for that matter PostScript used in printing to AdobePDF) and since Publisher is really not a professional publishing application that we typically have any experience with here, I would most strongly you bring this up on a Microsoft-oriented website/forum.

          - Dov

[Test Screen Name · Accepted solution]

It's a brand new bug in Publisher.

[OSA Damien]

I am having the same issue now all of a sudden. Same Publisher files that I have used for months and I am saving them in exactly the same way as I always have. I am also begging and pleading for a solution....

[Test Screen Name]

Here is a discussion in the Publisher forum, with Microsoft confirming it is their problem, and suggesting a workaround people don't much care for: Microsoft Community

[George_Johnson]

The best workaround is InDesign.

[Test Screen Name]

As I said, it's a bug in Publisher. Wrong place to beg.