5 Ways to Change Background in a Word Document

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Method 1: Using a New Background Color

Changing the background color of your Word document is a little similar to the process you would take when changing the font color. Perhaps the only difference is that to make the change, you must access the Design tab on the Word Ribbon.

Step 1:LaunchMicrosoft Wordfrom your desktop to open a blank file.

Step 2:On the Ribbon, click on theDesigntab.

Step 3:Click the drop-down besidePage Colorwithin thePage Backgroundgroup.

Step 4:Select a preferred background color from theTheme ColorsorStandard Colorsgroup. You can also create your color by selectingMore Colors.

Step 5:Click onSaveor simultaneously press theCtrl+Skeys on your keyboard to save the changes.

Microsoft Word automatically updates the font to white if you selectBlackas a background color. However, if you use any other color, update the font color to ensure the text is visible to the user.

Method 2: Using an Image as Background

Another way to edit the Word Background is by inserting a picture. Instead of plain old colors, you have images on each new page. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1:LaunchMicrosoft Wordfrom your desktop to open a blank file.

Step 2:On the Ribbon, click on theDesigntab.

Step 3:Click the drop-down besidePage Colorwithin thePage Backgroundgroup.

Step 4:Click onFill Effects.

Step 5:In the Fill Effects dialog box, go to thePicturetab >Select Picture.

Step 7:On the Insert Pictures group, select thesourceof the image.

Step 8:ClickOKon the Fill Effects dialog box after selecting the image. The new image should take effect.

The Fill Effect dialog box can also be used to change the texture of the background of your Word document. When you launch Fill Effects, instead of clicking Picture, select Texture or Pattern.

Method 3: Using Texture as a Background

A texture background in Word allows you to add a decorative pattern that mimics a real-world surface. To add this, follow the first four steps from the above method to open your document to Fill Effects, then continue with the steps below.

Step 1:Click theTexturetab.

Step 2:Click your desired texture from the available options and click onOK.

Alternatively, you may click the Other Texture button to get more options.

Method 4: Using Gradient as a Background

A Word gradient background blends two or more colors smoothly, creating a gradual transition effect. To add this, follow the first four steps from Method 2 to open your documents to Fill Effects, then continue with the steps below.

Step 1:Click theGradienttab.

Step 2:Select yourColors> pick yourShading styles> clickOK.

Method 5: Using a Watermark Background

If you want a particular section of your Word page to reflect a certain color, image, or text, using a Watermark is best. Here’s how it works:

Adding a Text Watermark

Step 1:LaunchMicrosoft Word.

Step 2:On the Ribbon, click on theDesigntab.

Step 3:Within thePage Backgroundgroup, click the drop-down beneathWatermark.

Step 4:Go through the list of options. If your preferred option isn’t listed, click onCustom Watermark.

Step 5:On thePrinted Watermarkdialog box, click the field beside theText watermarkto activate its options.

Step 6:Customize theLanguage,Text,Font,Size,Color, andLayoutfields to your preference.

Step 7:ClickApplyto enable your changes and selectCloseto exit the dialog box.

Adding a Picture Watermark

To add a watermark with a picture, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1:Launch Microsoft Word.

Step 2:On the ribbon, click on theDesigntab.

Step 3:Within the Page Backgroundgroup, click the drop-down beneathWatermark.

Step 4:Click onCustom Watermark.

Step 5: In the Printed Watermarkdialog box, click the field beside thePicture watermarkto activate its options.

Step 6:ClickSelect Pictureto launch an Insert Pictures dialog box.

Step 7:Select yourpreferred Scalein the drop-down beside the scale.

Step 8:ClickApplyto enable your changes and selectCloseto exit the dialog box.

Other than backgrounds, you may try otherdocument customization options.

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Last updated on 12 August, 2024

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