How to Change Background Color on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

//

Matthew Burleigh

Changing the background color on Google Docs is a simple task that can help personalize your document or make it stand out. All it takes is a few clicks and you’ll have a fresh new look for your document.

Step by Step Tutorial: Changing Background Color on Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to change the background color on Google Docs. Maybe you want to match your company’s branding, make your document easier on the eyes, or simply jazz it up a bit. Whatever the reason, changing the background color can give your document a whole new vibe.

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Open the Google Docs document you want to change the background color of.

When you open your document, ensure you’re logged into the correct Google account if you have multiple accounts.

Step 2: Access the ‘File’ Menu

Go to the ‘File’ menu at the top left of your screen.

The ‘File’ menu is where you can find all the settings related to your document, including page setup, which is what we need for changing the background color.

Step 3: Select ‘Page Setup’

Click on ‘Page Setup’ which is towards the bottom of the drop-down menu.

‘Page Setup’ is where you can adjust the margins, orientation, and, of course, the page color.

Step 4: Change the Background Color

Choose the color you want for your background from the palette or add a custom color if needed.

Google Docs offers a range of colors to choose from, but if you don’t see the one you want, you can always add a custom color by entering its hex code.

Step 5: Save Changes

Click ‘OK’ to save your changes and apply the new background color to your document.

After you click ‘OK’, your document will automatically update with the new background color, giving it a fresh look.

Once you complete these steps, your Google Docs document will have a new background color of your choice. This can help set the tone of your document, make it more visually appealing, or simply serve as a way to differentiate it from other documents.

Tips: Changing Background Color on Google Docs

  • Keep in mind that changing the background color may affect the readability of the text, so choose colors that complement rather than clash with your font color.
  • If you’re changing the background color for branding purposes, make sure to use the exact hex code of your brand’s color for consistency.
  • Remember that if you print your document, the background color will also be printed, which may use a lot of ink. Consider this before deciding on a particularly dark or vibrant color.
  • If you’re collaborating on a document with others, make sure to communicate with your team about the color change as it might affect their work or the document’s overall design.
  • Experiment with different background colors but make sure to always keep your document’s purpose and audience in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the background color of just one page?

No, changing the background color in Google Docs applies to the entire document. There isn’t an option to change the color of an individual page.

Will changing the background color affect the printing of the document?

Yes, if you print the document, the background color will be printed as well. Keep in mind this may use a lot of ink, especially for darker colors.

Can I set a custom background color?

Yes, you can set a custom color by clicking on the ‘+’ button under the standard colors and entering the hex code.

Is it possible to save the color settings for future documents?

No, Google Docs doesn’t currently have the feature to save custom background color settings for new documents. You will need to change the background color for each new document manually.

Can I change the background color on the Google Docs mobile app?

No, the background color can only be changed on the desktop version of Google Docs, not on the mobile app.

Summary

  1. Open Google Docs document.
  2. Access the ‘File’ menu.
  3. Select ‘Page Setup’.
  4. Change the background color.
  5. Save changes.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – an easy guide on how to change background color on Google Docs. A splash of color can revitalize a mundane document, making it more engaging for readers and a joy for you to work on. Just a few simple steps can make a world of difference, transforming a blank canvas into a personalized masterpiece. But don’t let the creativity stop there; explore the functionalities Google Docs has to offer. And remember, whether you’re sprucing up a business proposal or bringing life to a school project, a little color goes a long way. Happy coloring!

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.

He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.

You can read his bio here.

Join Our Free Newsletter

Featured guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy