How to Add a Gradient Background to a Microsoft Word Document

You can use fill effects to change the background to a gradient (gradually shaded) 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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Word

1. Go to the Format menu and select Background.

2. Select Fill Effects in the Background window.

3. Select the Gradient tab.

4. Click on one of the three color selections: one color, two colors or preset. One color provides a one-color gradient, two colors combines two colors in the gradient, and preset provides 24 gradient choices.

5. Use the Shading Styles menu in the lower left corner of the Gradient window to select the direction of the gradient.

6. Select one of the four variants that appear in the Variants window. Your choice will appear in the Sample box.

7. Click OK and the gradient 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 fills for the background so that the text isn't obscured and remains easy to read.
• Set the gradient so that the denser area of color appears on the part of the page where there is less text. This will also make reading the text easier.
• When you select one color, you can then select the color you want to use for the gradient and make it darker or lighter using the scroll bar.

on 6/30/2006 When you first print out the word document with the gradient, it will just print out the plain text without the gradient in place. In order to print the text with the gradient you have to enable Background Colors and Images. To do so...from the "Print" window select "Options", then from the "Include with Document" select "Background Colors and Images". These steps are useful for Word 2003.