First off many thanks to all who responded. However I am still unable to render a drop shadow to my text. Also, when the text is selected the Object > Drop Shadow feature is, greyed out, not an option. When the entire text box is selected (a yellow binding box?) I am able to see the Object > Drop Shadow option but when I check the drop shadow button in the menu the entire page loses luminosity/contrast - and the text never gets its drop shadow. Needless to say this is a complete puzzle for me. Obviously I am doing something majorly wrong. I'd gladly jump to Pagemaker 7 but funds are presently low. Any and all help is deeply appreciated. Thanks all.