How to Change the Background Color in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Google Docs is a versatile and widely used word processing tool, prized for its collaborative features and accessibility. While it may seem simple on the surface, Google Docs offers a surprising degree of customization, allowing you to tailor the interface to suit your preferences and needs. One such customization option is changing the background color. This can be particularly useful for reducing eye strain, especially during long writing sessions, or simply to personalize your document’s appearance. While Google Docs doesn’t offer a direct, one-click background color change like some other word processors, there are several effective workarounds to achieve the desired result. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions for each.
## Why Change the Background Color in Google Docs?
Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s consider the ‘why.’ Changing the background color in Google Docs isn’t just about aesthetics; it can serve several practical purposes:
* **Reduced Eye Strain:** Staring at a bright white screen for extended periods can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Switching to a darker background color, such as a light gray or beige, can significantly reduce this strain.
* **Improved Readability:** Certain text colors may be easier to read against specific background colors. Experimenting with different combinations can enhance readability and comprehension.
* **Enhanced Focus:** A different background color can help you focus on the content of your document by minimizing distractions.
* **Personalization:** Customizing the appearance of your workspace can make it more enjoyable and motivating to use.
* **Accessibility:** Some users with visual impairments may find it easier to read text against a non-white background. Providing alternative background color options can improve accessibility.
## Methods to Change the Background Color in Google Docs
While Google Docs lacks a dedicated background color setting, here are the most common and effective methods to achieve a customized background:
1. **Using Page Setup to Change the Page Color**
This is the most straightforward method and affects the entire document’s background.
**Steps:**
* **Open Your Google Doc:** Navigate to your Google Doc in your web browser.
* **Access Page Setup:** Click on the “File” menu in the top left corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear. Scroll down and click on “Page setup.”
* **Select Page Color:** A new window titled “Page setup” will open. In this window, look for the “Page color” option. It’s usually located towards the bottom of the window. Click on the color swatch next to “Page color.” A color palette will appear.
* **Choose Your Color:** Select your desired background color from the palette. You can choose from a range of preset colors, or click the “Custom” button to select a specific color using a color picker or by entering a hexadecimal color code. For reducing eye strain, lighter shades of gray, beige, or pastel colors are often recommended.
* **Set as Default (Optional):** If you want to apply the selected background color to all new Google Docs you create, click the “Set as default” button at the bottom of the “Page setup” window *before* clicking “OK.” This will save your preferred background color as the default for all future documents.
* **Confirm and Apply:** Click the “OK” button to apply the selected background color to your document. The background color of your Google Doc will now change to the color you selected.
**Considerations:**
* This method changes the background color of the *entire* document, including headers and footers.
* The background color will be visible to anyone who views or edits the document.
* When printing, the background color will be printed as well. If you want to avoid printing the background color, you’ll need to change it back to white before printing, or adjust your printer settings (which may not always be reliable). Consider the environment, ink consumption, and the necessity of the background color before printing.
2. **Using a Table to Create a Background Color Effect**
This method allows you to apply a background color to a specific section of your document, rather than the entire page.
**Steps:**
* **Open Your Google Doc:** Open the Google Docs document you wish to edit.
* **Insert a Table:** Click on the “Insert” menu in the top left corner. From the dropdown menu, select “Table.” Choose a 1×1 table (one row and one column) by clicking on the first square in the table grid.
* **Resize the Table:** Click and drag the edges of the table to resize it to cover the desired area of your document. You can make it fill the entire page or just a specific section. Pay attention to the margins. You’ll likely want to drag the edges of the table very close to the document margins to create the impression of a full background.
* **Remove Table Borders (Optional):** By default, tables have visible borders. To make the table blend seamlessly with the document and create a true background effect, you need to remove these borders. Click inside the table. Then, click on the “Format” menu at the top. Select “Table” from the dropdown, and then select “Table properties.” A sidebar will open on the right. In the “Table border” section, change the border width to “0 pt.” You can also change the border color to white to make it invisible, although setting the width to zero is generally more effective. If you cannot find “Table Properties” option under the “Table” menu, you can also find the “Border color” tool in the toolbar, which is usually represented by a pencil icon next to a line. Click the border color tool, and change the border color to white, or set it to transparent.
* **Change the Table Background Color:** With the table still selected (click inside it), go to the “Format” menu, then “Table,” and then “Table properties” (or use the toolbar). In the “Table properties” sidebar, find the “Cell background color” option. Click on the color swatch to open the color palette. Select your desired background color for the table. As with the “Page Setup” method, you can choose from preset colors or define a custom color.
* **Add Text to the Table:** Click inside the table and start typing your text. The text will now appear against the background color you selected for the table cell.
**Considerations:**
* This method allows for more granular control over where the background color is applied.
* The table will act as a container for your text. You may need to adjust the table’s borders and padding to achieve the desired look.
* Be mindful of text wrapping and alignment within the table.
* If you need to move the table, you’ll need to select the entire table (including the border) to move it correctly.
3. **Using a Drawing Canvas to Create a Background Image**
This method allows you to insert a drawing canvas and fill it with a color, effectively creating a background image.
**Steps:**
* **Open Your Google Doc:** Open the Google Docs document you want to modify.
* **Insert a Drawing:** Click on the “Insert” menu at the top. Select “Drawing” from the dropdown menu, and then choose “+ New.” This will open the Google Drawings editor within your Google Doc.
* **Create a Rectangle:** In the Drawing editor, select the “Shape” tool (usually a circle or square icon). Choose the rectangle shape. Click and drag on the canvas to create a rectangle that covers the entire canvas area. This rectangle will serve as your background.
* **Set the Fill Color:** With the rectangle selected, click on the “Fill color” icon (usually a paint bucket icon) in the toolbar. Select your desired background color from the palette. You can also choose a custom color.
* **Remove the Border (Optional):** By default, the rectangle may have a border. To remove it, click on the “Border color” icon (usually a pencil icon) in the toolbar and select “Transparent.”
* **Save and Close:** Click the “Save and Close” button in the top right corner of the Drawing editor. The drawing, now filled with your chosen background color, will be inserted into your Google Doc.
* **Adjust the Image Position and Size:** The drawing will be inserted as an image. Click on the image to select it. You’ll see options for image formatting appear in the toolbar or in a sidebar. Choose the “Behind text” or “Wrap text” option under “Image options” (you might need to click the three dots for “More options”). This will allow you to position the image behind your text. Drag the corners of the image to resize it and cover the entire page. You might need to experiment with different wrapping options to achieve the desired effect without interfering with your text.
**Considerations:**
* This method is useful for creating more complex backgrounds, as you can add other shapes, images, or text to the drawing canvas.
* The drawing is treated as an image, so you’ll need to adjust its position and size to cover the entire page.
* Be mindful of how the image interacts with your text. The “Behind text” option is generally the best choice for a seamless background effect.
4. **Using a Watermark (Limited Applicability)**
While not ideal for a solid background color, the watermark feature can be used to insert a very faint color across the entire document. This method is best suited for subtle color washes rather than bold background changes.
**Steps:**
* **Open Your Google Doc:** Open the document you want to edit.
* **Insert Watermark:** Click on the “Insert” menu and select “Watermark.”
* **Select Image:** In the Watermark sidebar, you will see options to add an image or text as the watermark. Since we are trying to add a color, using an image is the way to go. Click on the “Select Image” button and upload a small (even a 1×1 pixel image works!) image of the solid color you wish to use as the background. You can create a simple color image using any image editing software (even MS Paint).
* **Adjust Settings:** After the image is added, the right sidebar will show you watermark options. You’ll likely want to check the “Faded” box to ensure the color is subtle. Adjust the “Scale” as needed, though typically 100% is ideal. The key is to create a very faint color wash.
* **Done:** Click “Done”.
**Considerations:**
* This is not a true background color change; it’s a faint overlay.
* Best for subtle color changes, not bold backgrounds.
* Relies on using a small image of the desired color.
* The “Faded” option is crucial to prevent the watermark from obscuring text.
## Tips and Best Practices
* **Choose Colors Wisely:** Consider the purpose of your document and the readability of the text. Lighter background colors (e.g., light gray, beige, light blue) are generally better for reducing eye strain, while darker background colors may be suitable for specific design purposes. Avoid overly bright or saturated colors, as they can be distracting and difficult to read.
* **Test Different Color Combinations:** Experiment with different text and background color combinations to find what works best for you. Consider the contrast ratio between the text and background. A high contrast ratio (e.g., black text on a white background) is generally easier to read, but can also cause eye strain. A lower contrast ratio (e.g., dark gray text on a light gray background) can be more comfortable for extended reading.
* **Consider Accessibility:** If your document will be viewed by others, consider the accessibility of your color choices. Use a color contrast checker to ensure that your text and background colors meet accessibility guidelines. Avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information, as some users may not be able to perceive color differences.
* **Be Mindful of Printing:** If you plan to print your document, be aware that printing a background color can consume a significant amount of ink. Consider changing the background color back to white before printing, or adjust your printer settings to exclude background colors.
* **Use Templates:** If you frequently need to change the background color of your documents, consider creating a template with your preferred background color. This will save you time and effort in the long run.
* **Consistency is Key:** When using background colors, maintain consistency throughout your document. Avoid using too many different background colors, as this can be distracting and unprofessional.
* **Dark Mode Extensions:** Consider using a browser extension that forces a dark mode on all websites, including Google Docs. While this won’t change the document’s background color for others, it will provide a dark mode experience for you personally.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
* **Background Color Not Saving:** If you’re using the “Page setup” method and your background color isn’t saving, make sure you click the “Set as default” button *before* clicking “OK.” Also, ensure that you have sufficient permissions to edit the document.
* **Table Background Color Not Appearing:** If you’re using the table method and the background color isn’t appearing, double-check that you’ve removed the table borders and that the table is properly resized to cover the desired area. Also, make sure you’ve selected the correct cell to apply the background color to.
* **Drawing Background Color Not Covering the Page:** If you’re using the drawing method and the background color isn’t covering the entire page, make sure you’ve resized the drawing to fit the page and that you’ve selected the appropriate text wrapping option (e.g., “Behind text”).
* **Text Disappearing:** If text disappears when you change the background color, it’s likely due to the text color being too similar to the background color. Change the text color to something that provides sufficient contrast.
* **Background showing when printing** Many printers by default will not print background colors. You will have to go into the printer settings (usually under ‘More settings’) and enable background printing. Note that this will use a lot more ink.
## Conclusion
While Google Docs may not offer a dedicated background color setting, the methods outlined in this guide provide effective workarounds to customize your document’s appearance and improve your writing experience. Whether you’re looking to reduce eye strain, enhance focus, or simply personalize your workspace, changing the background color can make a significant difference. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips in this article, you can easily transform your Google Docs documents to suit your individual needs and preferences. Remember to experiment with different color combinations, consider accessibility, and be mindful of printing when making your choices. Happy writing!