Printing Page Elements

[codejunky]

I’m creating a web site with lots of background images and solid images. My client have a big issues with printing the pages, by default background images does not print, we have change the browser setting to print all images, however this is a bit much when asking visitors to change their settings. I need a easy solution on how to print pages with all the elements.

Anyway one know how to get this done?

[C. Ankerstjerne]

It's impossible.

The closest solution is to add all the images using IMG (i.e. no background images), and position them by using CSS. Even then, users can chose not to print the images - and as such, forcing them to print the images is a total lack of respect for the user, and complete idiocy.

[codejunky]

I agree, and tried explaining that to my client. Rebuilding the template is not an option.

I think I should create PDF's and have that as download option, users can then choose what they want to do with it.

Any other ideas?

[AutisticCuckoo]

Background images must not convey important information, since they are specified in CSS, not HTML. Thus it shouldn't matter whether or not they are printed out.

If the images convey important information they should be in the markup, using IMG or OBJECT elements. And there should be good text equivalents for them, because no matter how much you wish it to be otherwise, lots of people will disable printing images because it uses too much ink.

[codejunky]

Thank you,

I'm well aware of all the issues and the site validates perfectly.

The client does not understand why the printed version does not correspond to the web version.

Thanks for the effort!

[AutisticCuckoo]

You may try explaining to them that Web and print are two very different media. On the Web you don't have full control over appearance. All you can provide is hints, of which browsers may or may not take notice. That also applies to printed Web content, of course.

[Tailslide]

Also that his users will be grateful for the saving in printer ink that not printing background images will give them.