How to Change Background Color in Google Docs

How to Change Background Color in Google Docs

Are you bored with this default white document background in Google Docs? Why not change it to another color that could get your creativity flowing? Since Google’s word processor is mostly about sharing and collaborating, changing the background color should also help add your personality touch and kick things up a notch.


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Having said that, it’s the Google Docs web app that’s the most flexible for changing the background color. It literally lets you choose any color you want. The mobile app for Android, iOS, and iPadOS also allows you to change the background color of documents, but in a somewhat restricted form.

Google Docs – Web Application

Changing a document’s background color with the Google Docs web app is ridiculously easy. You can do this for new and existing documents.

The web app also lets you set any default background color, although this only applies to newer documents you create.

Unfortunately, you can’t have different background colors for specific pages in the same Google Docs document.

Step 1: Open a new or existing document in the Google Docs web app.

2nd step: Open the File menu and select the option labeled Page Setup.


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Step 3: Expand the color picker under Page Color.


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Step 4: Select the desired color from the presets provided.


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Select Custom if you want to refine your color selection. You can also add a hexadecimal color code to get the exact background color you want.


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Step 5: Make all other adjustments to the page (such as page orientation and margins) and click OK. Google Docs should apply the background color to the document immediately.


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You can also click Set as Default if you want to set the selected color to be automatically applied to new documents. It will not affect older documents. You have to manually change the color of each of them if necessary.

Note: If you want to go back to the normal color setting, you need to go back to the Layout pane, open the color picker, and then set the color to White (upper right corner). If you set another color as the default color and want to restore it, don’t forget to click the Set as Default Color button.

Obviously, you will also encounter issues with the default black font color. To change it to something to suit the background color, press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac) to highlight the text, then click the Text Color icon (A ) in the Google Docs toolbar.

Google Docs – Android and iOS

The Google Docs mobile app for Android and iOS lets you change the background color of a document using several presets. However, unlike the web app, it does not allow you to refine your selections or use HEX color codes. It also does not allow you to set a default color for newer documents.

Step 1: Open a new or existing document in the Google Docs mobile app.

2nd step: Tap the icon with three dots in the top right corner of the Google Docs app.


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Step 3: Select the option titled Layout.


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Step 4: Select Page Color.


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Step 5: Select a color preset using the cursor up. Next, choose a color shade and tap the Back icon to confirm your selection.


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Step 6: Exit the layout menu and Google Docs will apply the background color to the document.


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If you’ve set a default background color in the Google Docs web app, the setting won’t pass through to the mobile app. You must manually change the color of each new document. However, the color changes of older documents will show up when viewing them on the mobile app.

To change the text color on the document, first highlight the text, tap the Format icon (A) on the toolbar, and then tap Text Color.

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Google Docs – iPadOS

The Google Docs app for iPad works the same as it does for iOS and Android. Changing the background color of a document requires viewing the layout screen, selecting Page Color, and selecting a preset color and color shade. Again, you cannot add HEX codes or make your default selections.


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However, you can use the Google Docs web app on your iPad instead. Since Safari runs in desktop mode by default, you should have no problem using Google Docs. The web app is also far superior to the mobile app. You can fine-tune your background color selections and also set the default background colors.


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Change of scenery

Whether it’s changing the background color to match the theme of your content or doing it just to kick off, Google Docs has implemented the feature pretty well. Do not hold yourself back.

Then:

Did you miss something in Google Docs? Do not worry. Read the following link to learn how to reset Google Docs settings.

Last updated on Oct 19, 2020

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