Changing the background color in Word 2013 is a simple process that involves accessing the ‘Design’ tab, selecting ‘Page Color’, and then choosing your desired color. After completing these steps, the background color of your document will be changed.
After you complete the action of changing the background color in Word 2013, your document will have a new look, and the color you selected will be applied to every page within the document.
Introduction
When it comes to working on a Word document, one often thinks about the text, font size, and perhaps the images that will be included. However, the background color of your document can significantly impact the overall look and feel, setting the mood and tone for your readers or highlighting important sections. It’s a feature often overlooked, but it can make your document stand out, especially if you’re dealing with presentations, flyers, or other creative projects.
This topic is important for anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their documents or anyone looking to improve the readability of their text by contrasting it with an appropriate background color. It’s relevant to students working on school projects, businesses preparing marketing materials, and individuals looking to create visually appealing documents for personal use. Knowing how to change the background color in Word 2013 is a simple skill that can go a long way in enhancing your document’s appearance.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Change the Background Color in Word 2013
This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of changing the background color of your Word 2013 document.
Step 1: Open the ‘Design’ Tab
To start, click on the ‘Design’ tab on the ribbon at the top of your Word document.
In the ‘Design’ tab, you’ll find various options to modify your document’s overall design, including themes, watermarks, and page borders.
Step 2: Click on ‘Page Color’
Within the ‘Design’ tab, locate and click on the ‘Page Color’ button.
After clicking ‘Page Color’, a drop-down menu will appear with a palette of colors to choose from.
Step 3: Choose Your Desired Color
Select the color you want to use as your background from the palette.
If you don’t see the color you want, click on ‘More Colors’ to access a wider range of options or even create a custom color.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhances Readability | A well-chosen background color can make the text easier to read and reduce strain on the eyes. |
| Improves Document Aesthetics | A background color can enhance the visual appeal of your document, making it more attractive to readers. |
| Can Convey Mood or Highlight Information | Different colors can set different moods or be used to highlight important sections in a document. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| May Distract from Content | If not chosen wisely, a background color might overpower the content and distract the reader. |
| Can Cause Printing Issues | Some background colors might not translate well when printed, especially if using a home printer. |
| May Not Align with Formal Requirements | In formal or academic documents, a background color might not be appropriate or accepted. |
Additional Information
While changing the background color in Word 2013 is straightforward, there are a few additional tips that can help you get the best results. For instance, consider the readability of your text against the new background color – you want to ensure there’s enough contrast. Also, think about the purpose of your document. Are you trying to evoke a certain emotion or make your document stand out among others? Color psychology can play a crucial role in this decision.
Additionally, remember that the background color you see on your screen may not look exactly the same when printed. This is particularly true for darker colors, which may require you to adjust your printer settings. Lastly, if you’re using Word 2013 to create a digital document, like an eBook or PDF, the background color can add an extra layer of design without worrying about print quality.
Summary
- Open the ‘Design’ tab.
- Click on ‘Page Color’.
- Choose your desired color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply a background color to only one page?
No, when you change the background color, it applies to the entire document.
Can I use a gradient or texture as the background?
Yes, in the ‘Page Color’ drop-down, you can choose ‘Fill Effects’ to apply gradients, textures, or patterns.
Will changing the background color affect my text color?
Changing the background color doesn’t automatically change the text color, but you may need to adjust it manually for better visibility.
Can I save my custom color for future use?
Yes, once you create a custom color, it will appear under ‘Recent Colors’ for future use.
Does changing the background color increase the file size?
Adding a background color can slightly increase the file size, but the change is usually minimal.
Conclusion
Mastering the simple yet impactful task of changing the background color in Word 2013 can elevate your documents to a new level of professionalism and flair. Whether you’re looking to boost readability, improve aesthetics, or highlight key information, selecting the right background color is a powerful tool in your document design arsenal.
Just remember to consider the context, audience, and purpose of your document when making your color choice. With this guide, you’ve unlocked one more feature to make your Word documents truly yours. Why not give it a try and see the transformation for yourself?
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.