Changing the background color in Word is a simple process that can add a splash of personality to your documents. In just a few clicks, you can transform the appearance of your pages and make your content stand out.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Change Background Color in Word
Before we get started, let’s understand why you might want to change the background color in Word. Perhaps you’re creating a flyer, a newsletter, or simply want to reduce eye strain with a softer color palette. Whatever the reason, let’s dive into the steps to achieve this.
Step 1: Open the Design Tab
Click on the ‘Design’ tab in the Word ribbon.
The Design tab is where you’ll find a variety of options to customize the visual aspects of your document. It’s your go-to spot for anything related to the look and feel of your pages.
Step 2: Click on ‘Page Color’
Select ‘Page Color’ in the ‘Page Background’ group of the Design tab.
After clicking on ‘Page Color,’ a palette of colors will appear. You can choose from theme colors, standard colors, or create a custom color.
Step 3: Choose Your Color
Pick a color from the palette or select ‘More Colors’ for custom options.
If the preset colors don’t quite fit what you’re looking for, ‘More Colors’ offers a virtually infinite array of shades to match your exact preference.
Step 4: Click on the Selected Color
Once you’ve found the perfect color, click on it to apply it to your document.
After selecting your color, you’ll immediately see the background of your document change. It’s that simple!
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Word document will have a fresh new background color that can enhance the overall look and feel of your content.
Tips on How to Change Background Color in Word
- Remember that if you’re planning to print the document, a dark background color may consume a lot of ink.
- Consider the readability of your text with the new background color; ensure there’s enough contrast.
- Background color won’t be visible if you save the document as a plain text file.
- Not all document formats may support background color; when sharing, ensure the recipient’s software can display it.
- Use background colors consistently throughout a document for a professional look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the background color?
To remove the background color, simply go back to ‘Page Color’ and choose ‘No Color.’
Will the background color appear when I print the document?
Yes, the background color will print, which may use more ink than usual.
Can I apply a background color to only one page?
Background colors in Word typically apply to the entire document, not individual pages.
Is it possible to set a picture as the background?
Yes, you can set a picture as the background by choosing ‘Fill Effects’ under ‘Page Color’ and then selecting the ‘Picture’ tab.
Can I save a document with a background color as a PDF?
Yes, when you save the document as a PDF, the background color will be retained.
Summary
- Open the Design tab.
- Click on ‘Page Color.’
- Choose your color.
- Click on the selected color.
Conclusion
Changing the background color in Word is a brilliant way to make your documents pop or keep them easy on the eyes. Whether you’re crafting a party invitation or writing a lengthy report, personalizing the background color can significantly impact how your document is received. Plus, it’s a breeze to do! Just remember to consider the context in which your document will be used—will it be printed? Displayed online? Shared digitally? Each scenario might influence your color choice.
Also, keep accessibility in mind. Not everyone sees color the same way, so ensure that your text remains legible and the contrast is sufficient for those with color vision deficiencies. And don’t forget about ink usage—if you’re printing a document with a dark background, it might be best to offer a digital version as well.
Overall, have fun experimenting with different hues and creating documents that are not only informative but visually appealing. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you’re well on your way to mastering how to change background color in Word and making your documents stand out in a crowd.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.