Changing the background color of a Google Doc can be a great way to customize your document and make it stand out. It’s a simple process that can be completed in just a few clicks. After reading this brief explanation, you’ll be able to change the background color of your Google Doc with ease.
Step by Step Tutorial: Change Google Doc Background Color
Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly discuss what we’re about to do. We’re going to change the background color of a Google Doc, which will affect the entire document. This can be useful for setting the mood for a piece of writing, organizing documents by color, or just adding a personal touch to your work.
Step 1: Open your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc that you want to change the background color of.
When you have your document open, make sure you’re in editing mode. If you’re viewing a document that someone else has shared with you, you might need to request editing access before you can make any changes.
Step 2: Click on ‘File’
In the top-left corner of the screen, click on the ‘File’ menu.
The ‘File’ menu is where you can find all sorts of options for your document, like downloading it, making a copy, or accessing the document’s history.
Step 3: Select ‘Page Setup’
Scroll down the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Page Setup’ at the bottom.
‘Page Setup’ is where you can change the margins, orientation, and, of course, the background color of your document.
Step 4: Click on the ‘Page Color’ option
In the ‘Page Setup’ menu, you’ll see a ‘Page Color’ option with a color square next to it.
The color square shows the current background color of your document. By default, it’s usually set to white.
Step 5: Choose your new background color
Click on the color square, and a color palette will appear. Select the color you want to use for your background.
You can choose from a variety of colors in the palette, or you can enter a custom color code if you’re looking for something specific.
Step 6: Click ‘OK’
After selecting your color, click ‘OK’ to apply it to your document.
Your new background color will now be applied to the entire document. If you don’t like it, you can always go back and change it again following the same steps.
After completing these steps, your Google Doc will have a brand new background color. This can make your document easier to read, more visually appealing, or simply more fun to work on.
Tips for Changing Google Doc Background Color
- If you’re using a dark background color, consider changing the text color to white or a light color to ensure it’s readable.
- Remember that if you print your document, the background color will use more ink than a white background.
- Use background colors to categorize different types of documents for better organization.
- Keep in mind that if you’re sharing the document, the background color will be visible to others.
- Experiment with different colors to find the best match for your content or presentation style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a custom color for the background?
Yes, you can enter a specific color code to use a custom color for the background.
Will changing the background color affect the text?
Changing the background color will not affect the text itself, but it may affect the visibility of the text depending on the color contrast.
Can I change the background color of a single page within a document?
No, changing the background color will affect the entire document. You cannot change the background color of individual pages.
Is it possible to add a background image instead of a color?
Google Docs does not currently support background images, only background colors.
How do I revert to the default white background?
Follow the same steps, but select white from the color palette in Step 5.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc
- Click on ‘File’
- Select ‘Page Setup’
- Click on the ‘Page Color’ option
- Choose your new background color
- Click ‘OK’
Conclusion
Changing the background color of a Google Doc is a simple yet effective way to customize your documents. Whether you’re looking to organize your files, make them more visually appealing, or just add a personal touch, a splash of color can make all the difference. With the step-by-step tutorial provided, you can easily change the background color of any Google Doc in no time.
Remember to consider the readability of your text when choosing a color and to keep in mind that the color will be visible to anyone you share the document with. Use the tips provided to make the most out of this feature and to avoid any potential pitfalls, like excessive ink usage when printing.
If you have any further questions, refer to the frequently asked questions section for additional guidance. Changing the Google Doc background color is just one way to enhance your document creation experience, so go ahead and give it a try!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.