Changing the color of a table in Word is a simple task that can add visual appeal to your document. Whether you’re trying to match a company color scheme or just want to make your table stand out, it’s a quick process that anyone can do. So, let’s get started and learn how to change table color in Word!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change Table Color in Word
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that changing the color of a table in Word will not only make it look better but can also help in organizing information and making it easier to read.
Step 1: Open your Word document
The first thing you need to do is open the Word document that contains the table you want to change the color of.
Once you have your document open, locate the table that you want to modify. If you haven’t inserted a table yet, you can do so by clicking on the ‘Insert’ tab and then selecting ‘Table’.
Step 2: Select the table
Click anywhere inside the table to select it. You should see a new set of Table Tools appear at the top of the screen, including the ‘Design’ and ‘Layout’ tabs.
Selecting the table is crucial because it lets Word know that any changes you make should only apply to the table and not the rest of the document.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Design’ tab
Once you have your table selected, click on the ‘Design’ tab that appears in the Table Tools.
The ‘Design’ tab is where you’ll find all the options for changing the appearance of your table, including the table style options, borders, and shading.
Step 4: Choose a color from the ‘Shading’ menu
In the ‘Design’ tab, look for the ‘Shading’ button, which looks like a paint bucket. Click on it and a color palette will appear.
From the color palette, you can choose any color you like. If you don’t see the color you want, you can click on ‘More Colors’ to get a wider selection.
Step 5: Apply the color
Once you’ve chosen your color, simply click on it, and it will be applied to the entire table.
If you only want to change the color of specific cells, rows, or columns, you can select those parts of the table before clicking on the ‘Shading’ button.
After you’ve changed the color of your table, you’ll notice that it instantly looks different. This can make your table more visually appealing and can also help to highlight important information.
Tips: How to Change Table Color in Word
- Use contrasting colors to make text stand out against the table color.
- Consider the overall color scheme of your document when choosing a table color.
- If you’re printing the document, make sure the table color will look good in black and white.
- Use the ‘Borders’ button next to the ‘Shading’ button to add or change the color of the table’s borders for an extra visual effect.
- Remember that you can always undo any changes by pressing ‘Ctrl + Z’ on your keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply different colors to different rows or columns?
Yes, you can select individual rows or columns by clicking and dragging across the cells you want to modify before choosing a color from the ‘Shading’ menu.
Will changing the table color affect the text color?
No, changing the table color will not automatically change the text color. You will need to change the text color separately if desired.
Can I use a picture as a table background instead of a color?
Yes, you can. In the ‘Shading’ menu, select ‘Fill Effects’ and then ‘Picture’ to choose an image from your computer to use as the table background.
What if I don’t see the ‘Design’ tab?
Make sure you have clicked inside the table. The ‘Design’ tab only appears when a table is selected.
Can I save the color I’ve chosen for future use?
Yes, after selecting a color, right-click on it and choose ‘Add to Custom Colors’. This way, it will be available in the ‘Shading’ menu next time you need it.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Select the table.
- Click on the ‘Design’ tab.
- Choose a color from the ‘Shading’ menu.
- Apply the color.
Conclusion
Changing the table color in Word is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a fantastic way to add some pizzazz to your documents and can even improve readability. Whether you’re creating a report, a newsletter, or any other type of document, knowing how to change table color in Word is a useful skill that can help you create more professional-looking documents. Remember to consider the overall design and color scheme of your document when choosing a table color and don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades until you find the perfect one. Now go ahead and give your tables the makeover they deserve!
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.