How to Change Page Color in Word

how to change page color in word
by David Harris // September 27  

Customizing the page color in Microsoft Word can enhance your documents’ personal touch and artistic flair. It can make your work stand out, accentuate essential points, or make reading more enjoyable. This guide will walk you through how to change page color in Word with easy-to-follow steps. No matter your experience level, you’ll find everything you need to know right here. Let’s dive in!

What You Need to Know Before Changing Page Colors

Before we start, it’s essential to understand a few basics. Assigning colors to your Word documents can serve various purposes, like making headings pop, highlighting critical information, or aesthetically pleasing. But remember, some colors may not print correctly if you plan on publishing your document. Always test your colors on paper if printing is your goal.

How to Change Page Color in Word

Now, we’ll learn the details of changing page color in Word. Follow these steps to create a vibrant, personalized document soon!

Step 1: Open Your Document

First, open Microsoft Word and load the document you want to change. You can either create a new document or open an existing one.

Step 2: Navigate to the Design Tab

Once your document is loaded, go to the “Design” tab at the top of the screen. This tab provides access to customization options, including page colors.

Step 3: Select “Page Color”

In the “Design” tab, you’ll see options like Themes, Colors, Fonts, etc. Look for the “Page Color” button, usually found on the right side of the toolbar. Click on it to reveal a palette of color options.

Step 4: Choose Your Color

Upon clicking “Page Color,” a dropdown menu with various color choices will appear. You can pick from standard, theme, or custom colors. Hover over each color for a live preview of your document’s appearance.

Step 5: Apply the Color

Once you find a color that suits your needs, click on it to apply. Your entire document will instantly transform to the color you selected. If you’re not happy with the result, you can always go back and choose another color.

Advanced Options: Custom Colors and Gradients

Want to go beyond the standard options? Microsoft Word offers advanced features that let you customize your page colors even further. Here’s how:

Using Custom Colors

  1. Click on “More Colors…” at the bottom of the Page Color menu.
  2. Choose between the “Standard” and “Custom” tabs.
  3. In the “Custom” tab, you can input RGB values or use the color picker to find the desired shade.
  4. Click “OK” to apply your custom color.

Applying Gradients

For a more sophisticated look, consider using gradient colors.

  1. Go to “Page Color” in the “Design” tab.
  2. Choose “Fill Effects…” located at the bottom of the menu.
  3. Navigate to the “Gradient” tab.
  4. Choose your gradient style and colors. There’s even an option for pre-set gradients.
  5. Click “OK” to apply.

Changing Page Color for Specific Sections

Change the page color for specific sections rather than the entire document. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Insert Section Breaks

Position your cursor where you want the new section to start. Navigate to the “Layout” section and click on “Breaks”. Choose either “Next Page” or “Continuous” under Section Breaks.

Step 2: Change Page Color

Repeat the steps in the previous section to change the page color for the new section. This allows for varied colors across different sections of your document.

Changing Page Color in Word on Mobile

You might wonder, “Can I change the page color in Word using my mobile device?” The answer is yes! Here’s how to do it:

For Android Devices

  1. Open your document in the Word app.
  2. Tap the “Edit” icon (the pencil) to enter editing mode.
  3. Go to the “Home” tab.
  4. Tap on “Format.”
  5. Select “Page Color.”
  6. Choose your desired color from the palette.

For iOS Devices

  1. Open the document in the Word app.
  2. Tap the “A” icon with a pencil to enter the editing mode.
  3. Go to the “Home tab.
  4. Tap “Format.”
  5. Select “Page Color.”
  6. Pick your desired color from the available options.

Best Practices for Changing Page Colors

Adding color to your Word documents is more than just a visual enhancement; it can make your information more digestible and eye-catching. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

Consider Readability

Choose colors that contrast nicely with your text. Dark text on a light background is generally the most readable. Avoid excessively vibrant or fluorescent hues, which may cause eye discomfort.

Keep It Professional

Subdued, muted colors often look more polished when creating a document for business or professional use. Bright or flashy colors can appear unprofessional and distract from your message.

Test Your Colors

Preview the colors before finalizing your document, whether for digital viewing or printing. Make sure they look good on different screens and print out a test page if necessary to ensure they print correctly.

Use Consistency

If you’re using multiple colors throughout your document, keep it consistent. Random colors can confuse readers. Adhere to a color palette that enhances your content.

When to Use Different Page Colors

Various colors can elicit varying emotions and reactions. Here’s a guideline to help you choose suitable colors for your needs:

Blue

It is often associated with trust, professionalism, and calmness. Use blue in business documents, reports, or formal letters.

Green

Symbolizes growth, tranquility, and nature. Ideal for environmental projects, reports, or educational materials.

Yellow

Stimulates attention and exudes warmth. Use yellow to highlight important information or in creative and informal documents.

Red

Evokes passion and urgency. Use red sparingly to make critical points or highlight warnings.

Neutral Colors

Colors like white, beige, and grey provide a clean look and high readability. They are suitable for most documents, mainly formal and business-related content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite its straightforward process, you might need help changing the page color in Word. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Issue 1: Color Not Applying

Ensure you’ve selected the document section correctly and no other formatting settings interfere. If the problem persists, try reapplying the color or restarting Word.

Issue 2: Incorrect Print Colors

Due to various factors, colors on the screen can look different from printed colors. Preview your document in Print Layout and adjust your printer settings for color accuracy.

Issue 3: Compatibility Issues

If you’re sharing your document with others who use different versions of Word or other word processors, your colors might not display as intended. To preserve the color formatting, saving your document as a PDF is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Change Page Color In Word

Q. How do I change the page color in Microsoft Word?
A. To change the page color, go to the “Design tab, click “Page Color, and choose the color you want.

Q. Can I use a personalized color for the background of my page?
A. Yes! To create a personalized color using the color picker, click “Page Color and choose “More Colors.”

Q. Will the page color change when I print my document?
A. It depends on your printer settings. Most printers allow you to print with background colors, but you may need to check the print settings first.

Q. Is there a way to remove the page color later?
A. Yes! Go back to the “Design tab, click “Page Color, and select “No Color to remove the background color.

Q. Can I apply a different page color to each document section?
A. Yes! You can create different sections using “Section Breaks and then change the page color for each section separately.

Q. Will my page color show up in a PDF file?
A. Yes, when you save your Word document as a PDF, the page color should be preserved in the PDF file.

Q. What if I prefer to incorporate a design or texture instead of a plain color?
A. In the “Page Color menu, select “Fill Effects, where you can choose from gradients, textures, and patterns.

Q. Can I change the page color in Word Online?
A. Yes! Although the options are limited, you can change the page color by going to the “Design tab and selecting “Page Color.”

Q. Does changing the page color affect text visibility?
A. Yes! Please choose a page color that contrasts nicely with your text color to ensure it is readable.

Q. Are there any themes in Word that change the page color automatically?
A. Yes! From the “Design tab, you can apply themes that can change the colors of the page background and other elements.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to make your academic work stand out, emphasize key points in a business report, or add some flair to your creative projects, changing the page color in Word can be an effective tool. With these step-by-step instructions, advanced options, and best practices, you can personalize your documents like a pro. Happy word processing!

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.