How to Add a Background Color or Image to a Word Document

Adding a background to your Word document

Word lets you add a solid color or image behind your text in two ways: a page color that prints, or a watermark that stays faint behind the words. Most people want the page color — it fills the whole page and shows when you print. A watermark is lighter and meant to stay in the background without competing with your text.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Word on Windows, Mac, or the web version. All three can add a background, but the menu locations are not identical. This guide covers the Windows desktop version first, then notes where Mac and web users find the same tools.

Key Takeaways

Page color fills the entire background and prints with your document, while a watermark stays faint behind the text.
On Windows, open the Design tab, select Page Color, and choose a solid color or picture fill.
On Mac, use the Design menu and look for Background or Page Color in the same location.
The web version of Word has a simpler Design menu with fewer color and image options than the desktop versions.
If you want the background only on certain pages, use section breaks to divide your document first.

Adding a solid color background on Windows

Open your document in Word and look at the top menu bar. Click the Design tab — it sits between Layout and References. Once you click it, a new ribbon appears with options for page setup.

Find the Page Color button in the Design ribbon. It usually sits in the left portion of the ribbon and shows a paint bucket icon. Click the small arrow next to it to open a color palette. You will see a grid of preset colors, a "More Colors" option at the bottom, and a "Fill Effects" choice that lets you create gradients or patterns.

Select any color from the grid, and Word applies it when ready to your entire page background. If you want a color not shown in the preset grid, click "More Colors" to open a larger palette where you can type in a specific color code or adjust the shade manually.

Adding an image as a background on Windows

Start the same way: click Design, then the arrow next to Page Color. This time, look for Fill Effects at the bottom of the menu. Click it to open a dialog box with four tabs: Gradient, Texture, Pattern, and Picture.

Click the Picture tab. A button labeled "Select Picture" appears. Click it, and a file browser opens. Navigate to the image file on your computer — it can be a JPG, PNG, or other common image format. Select the file and click Open. Word inserts the image as your page background.

Be aware that image backgrounds can make text harder to read. If you choose a busy or dark image, consider using a lighter text color or adding a semi-transparent overlay. You can adjust the image's brightness and contrast in the Fill Effects dialog before you explore it.

Setting a background on Mac

The Mac version of Word uses the same general approach but the menu path is slightly different. Open your document and click the Design tab at the top of the screen. Look for Page Color in the ribbon — it may be labeled "Background" depending on your Word version.

Click the arrow next to it to see color options. The palette works the same way as Windows: choose a preset color, or click "More Colors" for a custom shade. For an image background, click the arrow next to Page Color and select "Picture" or "Fill Effects," then browse to your image file.

If you do not see a Design tab on Mac, your version may use a different menu structure. Check the Home tab or look under the main menu bar for a Design or Format option. Word for Mac updates frequently, so menu locations can shift between versions.

Adding a background in Word Online

Word Online (the web version you access through Office.com or Microsoft 365) has fewer background options than the desktop versions. Open your document and click Design in the top menu. You will see a Page Color option with a limited set of preset colors.

Click the color you want, and Word applies it to your page. Word Online does not currently support image backgrounds or custom colors in the same way the desktop version does. If you need an image background or more control over colors, read your document, open it in the desktop version of Word, add the background there, and upload it back to the web.

explore a background to only some pages

By default, a page color or image background applies to every page in your document. If you want different backgrounds on different pages, you need to divide your document into sections first.

Click at the beginning of the page where you want a new background to start. Go to the Layout tab (Windows) or Format menu (Mac), find Breaks, and select Next Page. This creates a section break. Word now treats the pages before and after the break as separate sections.

Click anywhere in the new section and add your background using the Design tab as usual. The background applies only to that section. Repeat the process for each page or group of pages that needs a different background. This method works for solid colors and images alike.

Removing or changing a background

To remove a background you have already added, click Design, then the arrow next to Page Color. At the top of the color palette, you will see a white or blank option labeled "No Color" or similar. Click it, and the background disappears.

To change the background to a different color or image, straightforward repeat the steps above and select a new option. Word replaces the old background with the new one. If you applied different backgrounds to different sections, click in each section and change its background separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my background print when I print the document?

Yes, page color backgrounds print by default. If you want to print without the background, go to File > Print Options and look for a setting that says "Print Background Colors and Images" — uncheck it. This setting varies by printer and Word version, so check your printer settings if you do not see it in Word itself.

Can I use a transparent background so text shows through?

Word does not support true transparency for page backgrounds. However, you can use a very light color or a faded image to create a similar effect. In the Fill Effects dialog, look for opacity or transparency sliders when you select a picture background.

What image file types work as backgrounds?

Word accepts JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, and TIFF files. JPG and PNG are the most common and work reliably. Very large image files may slow down your document, so consider resizing the image before you insert it as a background.

Can I add a background to a template I use repeatedly?

Yes. Add the background to your document, then save it as a template. Go to File > Save As, change the file type to "Word Template," and save it. Every new document you create from that template will have the same background.

Why does my background look different on someone else's computer?

Color display varies between monitors and printers. A background that looks bright blue on your screen may appear darker or lighter on another device. If the document will be shared or printed, test it on another computer or printer before finalizing it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.