How to Change the Background Color in a Microsoft Word Document

You can change the background color in a Microsoft Word 97 and 2000 (for PC) and 98 (for Macintosh) document if you don't want the default white background. This feature is available only in Online (or Web) Layout view and doesn't print. You see it only on your screen.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word

Instructions

1. Go to the Format menu and select Background.

2. Select the color you want for the background from the color palette in the Background window. The background you selected will be applied to the page. The view you're in will shift to Online Layout view if you're not already in that view.

Tips & Warnings

• Use lighter colors for backgrounds so that the text isn't obscured and remains easy to read.

• You can select a custom background color: After you select the Background command, choose More Colors. Choose a color from either the Standard tab or the Custom tab. In the Custom color feature, you can change the hue, saturation and luminosity of the color you select by clicking the up and down arrows next to these settings or by changing the number in each of the boxes.

• You can view the current and new color in the small color box in the lower right corner of the Colors window.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish