How to Change Background Color on Google Docs Guide

How to change background color on Google Docs to make them more visually appealing?

Changing the background color on Google Docs is a simple and effective way to add a personal touch to your work and make it stand out. Whether for school projects or professional presentations, a colorful background can catch your audience’s attention and make your document more engaging.

To change the background color in Google Docs, click “File” in the top-left corner, then select “Page setup.” In the dialog box that appears, click on the “Page Color” dropdown menu and choose your desired background color. Finally, click “OK” to apply the changes to your document.

In this article, we’ll guide you through various methods of changing the background color in Google Docs and provide tips on choosing the perfect color for your document.

Why Change Background Color in Google Docs?

Have you ever been in a room with plain white walls and no decorations? It can feel sterile, lifeless, and uninspiring. The same is true for writing on a plain white background. Changing the background color on Google Docs can help create a personalized environment that suits your style and encourages creativity.

Below are several reasons you might want to change the background color in Google Docs:

• A high-contrast background can make your document more accessible to readers with visual impairments.
• Using a brand color in the background can reinforce your brand identity and make your documents look more professional.
• Changing the background color can help differentiate different sections or parts of a document, making it easier to read and navigate.
• Changing the background color can also help you create a unique and personal touch to your work.

Related: Easily Insert a Google Sheet Into Google Docs

How to Change Background Color in Google Docs on Desktop

Here are a few tried and tested ways on how to change the background color in Google Docs using your desktop.

Page Color Option

The page color option is the easiest and most convenient way to change the background color of your Google Docs. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. In the menu bar located at the top left of your screen, click on “File.” Then, click on “Page setup” from the drop-down menu.

3. Upon clicking, a dialog box will appear. Next, click on the “Page Color” drop-down menu.

4. Choose your desired color from the pre-existing color options. Once you select the color you want, click “OK” to apply the changes.

The background color of your document should now be changed to the color you selected. This simple change can significantly impact your mood, creativity, and productivity.

Custom Color Option

If you’re looking for something more unique and specific, you can use the custom color option to create your color scheme.

Here’s how to do it:

1. From the drop-down menu, click on “File” > “Page setup.”
2. A dialog box will appear. Click “Page Color.”
3. Scroll to the bottom of the options and select “Custom.”

4. A “Custom color” dialog box will appear upon clicking. You can use the color picker or adjust the RGB values to create your custom color here.

5. Once you have selected your desired color, click “OK,” and the background of your Google Doc will change.

How to Change Background Color in Google Docs Via Mobile

You can also change the background color of Google Documents using your smartphone. To do this, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Open the Google Docs app on your mobile device and sign in to your account (if you haven’t already.)
2. Next, open the document where you want to change the background color.
3. Tap on the three dots icon in the top right corner of the screen.

4. Tap “Page setup.”

5. Tap on “Page Color.”

6. Choose the color you want by selecting one of the pre-existing colors or creating a custom color.

Once you have chosen a color, the background color of your document will change to your selected color.

Advantages of Changing the Background Color

There are several advantages to changing the background color of a document or website, such as the following:

• Reduced eye strain: Staring at a bright white screen for hours on end can strain your eyes and cause discomfort. Changing the background color to a soothing color, such as a soft pastel or light gray, can alleviate this issue.
• Increased creativity: Changing the background color can help spark your creativity if you feel stuck or uninspired. Different colors can evoke different emotions and moods, so choosing a color that resonates with you can get you in a better headspace for writing or other creative tasks.
• Enhanced readability: Changing the background color can also enhance the readability of your document. For example, if you’re working with a lot of black text, a light-colored background can provide a visual contrast that makes it easier to read the text.
• Personalization: Lastly, changing the background color lets you personalize your writing experience. You can choose a color that aligns with your personal taste or the tone of your document.

Tips for Choosing the Right Background Color

When choosing the right background color for your document or website, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure that the color you choose is effective and appropriate. Here are some tips for choosing the right background color:

1. Consider the purpose of your document

Your document’s purpose can influence the color you choose. For example, a neutral color, such as gray or beige, might be more appropriate if you’re writing a formal report. On the other hand, if you’re writing a fun and lighthearted piece, a bright and bold color might be more fitting.

2. Think about the emotions you want to evoke

Different colors evoke different emotions, so consider the mood you want to create for your document. For instance, blue can be calming, green can represent growth and balance, and yellow can be energizing and optimistic.

3. Keep it simple

While it might be tempting to choose a bright and eye-catching color, it’s essential to remember that your background color should complement your text, not overpower it. Choose a color that’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t distract from the content.

4. Test your color choices

Before settling on a final background color, it’s a good idea to test different options to see how they look and feel. Write a few lines of text and see if the color is too bright or distracting. If you’re having trouble reading the text, it’s probably not the right color for your document.

5. Consider accessibility

It’s essential to consider accessibility when choosing a background color. Some people might have difficulty reading certain colors or have visual impairments that require a specific color scheme. Check out Google’s Accessibility Guidelines to ensure your document is accessible to everyone.

How to Trouble Shoot Google Docs Background Not Changing

If you’re having trouble changing the background color in Google Docs, don’t worry! Here are some hacks you can try to troubleshoot the issue.

• Sign in to your account: Ensure you are signed in to your Google account and have access to edit the document. If you are not signed in, you may not have the necessary permissions to make changes to the document.
• Check your internet connection: If your internet connection is weak or spotty, it might prevent Google Docs from saving your changes. Ensure you have a stable internet connection before changing the background color.
• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies: Sometimes, a build-up of cache and cookies can cause issues with Google Docs. Clearing your cache and cookies can help fix this issue.
• Open the document in a different browser: If you’re using a browser incompatible with Google Docs, you might encounter problems when changing the background color. Try using a different browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, to see if that resolves the issue.
• Restart your device: Sometimes, it takes a simple restart to fix the issue. Try restarting your device and see if that resolves the problem.
• Use a different device: If you still have trouble changing the background color, try opening the document on a different device to see if the issue persists. The issue may be specific to your device or browser.

If none of these methods resolve the issue, it is worthwhile reaching out to Google Help for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Make the Background Black in Google Docs?

To make the background black in Google Docs, follow these steps:

1. Open your Google Document.
2. Click on “File” in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Click on “Page setup” from the drop-down menu.
4. In the “Page setup” window, click on the “Page color” drop-down menu and select “Custom.”
5. In the “Custom” menu, select black or enter the hex code for black (#000000).
6. Click “OK” to apply the black background to your document.

Remember that black backgrounds can be harder to read for some people, so it’s best to use them sparingly and with high-contrast text to ensure readability.

Can I Change the Background Color of a Google Docs Form?

Yes. You can change the background color of a Google Docs template by following the same steps for changing the background color of a document. This can help you personalize the template better to suit your needs or your reader’s needs.

Can I Print a Document With a Colored Background in Google Docs?

Yes. You can print a document with a colored background in Google Docs. However, be aware that it may use more ink or make it more difficult for some people to read the document. Therefore, consider printing a test page first to see if the color is readable and if it uses more ink than you’re comfortable with.

Conclusion

Changing the background color on Google Docs can make your documents more visually appealing, stand out more, leave a lasting impression, and improve readability. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, changing the background color is a simple and easy-to-follow process. We hope this guide helped!

If you’re interested in learning more about the various features and functions of Google Suite, be sure to take a look at these G Suite courses.

Related:

• How to Add a Border in Google Docs (All 7 Ways)
• How to Make a Resume on Google Docs
• How To Make Google Docs Dark Mode
• How to Make a Brochure on Google Docs (Easy Templates)
• How to Add a Header in Google Docs