Adding a background to your Google Doc can really spice it up, making it more visually appealing. Whether it’s for a school project or a work presentation, a custom background can set your document apart. The process is pretty straightforward—let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Put a Background on Google Docs
Before we start, you should know that Google Docs doesn’t have a direct way to add a background image. But don’t worry! There’s a neat trick involving tables that we can use to get the job done.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc where you want to add the background.
Pretty self-explanatory, right? Just make sure you’re logged into your Google account and open the document you want to work on.
Step 2: Insert a Table
Go to the menu, click on “Insert,” then “Table,” and select a single cell.
We’re using a table because it allows us to insert an image in the background of the cell, which will serve as the background of our document.
Step 3: Set the Table Properties
Right-click on the table cell, select “Table properties,” then set the table border to ‘0 pt’ to make it invisible.
This step makes sure that our table doesn’t look like a table. We’re making the borders disappear so that only the background image is visible.
Step 4: Insert the Background Image
Still in “Table properties,” click on “Cell background image,” then “Choose” to upload your desired image.
Here’s the fun part! Choose an image that fits your document’s theme. Make sure it’s the right size for your document to avoid any stretching or pixelation.
Step 5: Adjust the Image to Fit
You may need to adjust the size of your table cell to fit the image correctly. Just drag the edges of the table until you’re happy with how it looks.
Play around with the sizing until it looks just right. Remember, you can always change the image or its positioning later if you need to.
After you’ve completed these steps, you should have a beautiful background on your Google Doc. It’s a simple process, but it can make a world of difference in the look and feel of your document.
Tips: How to Put a Background on Google Docs
- Make sure the image you choose is high resolution to prevent any quality loss.
- Consider the readability of your text over the background—light text on a dark background or vice versa works best.
- If you’re using this for a professional or academic document, keep it subtle. You don’t want the background to distract from the content.
- Remember to resize your table cell if you add more content to your document later on.
- Use a background that complements the content of your document for a cohesive look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any image as a background?
Yes, as long as you have the rights to use the image and it’s high resolution.
Will the background image print with the document?
It should, but make sure to check “Print background graphics” in the print settings.
Can I change the background after I’ve added it?
Absolutely! Just go back into the “Table properties” and change the image.
How do I remove the background if I change my mind?
Go back to “Table properties,” and under “Cell background image,” click “Remove.”
Can I add a background color instead of an image?
Sure! In “Table properties,” select “Cell background color” and pick your desired color.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Insert a single-cell table.
- Set the table properties with a 0 pt border.
- Insert your background image in the cell.
- Adjust the table cell to fit the image.
Conclusion
Putting a background on your Google Docs can add a personal touch or professional flair to your documents. While it’s not a built-in feature, the workaround using tables is clever and effective. Remember to choose an appropriate image that enhances your document rather than distracts from it. With these steps, you’ll be able to customize your documents in no time. Keep experimenting with different images and styles to find what works best for you and your audience. Happy designing! And remember, a well-designed document can make all the difference in how your work is received. So why not give it a try and see how a background on Google Docs can elevate your next project?
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.