How to Change Page Color in Word?
In Word, go to Design tab → Page Color → choose your color. For printing colored backgrounds, also enable 'Print background colors and images' in Options → Display.
Changing page color in Word is useful for creating custom coloring pages with tinted backgrounds or designing colored craft templates. Here's how to do it.
Quick Answer
Microsoft Word (Windows):
- Click Design tab
- Click Page Color
- Select your color
- Done!
Microsoft Word (Mac):
- Click Design tab
- Click Page Color in Page Background group
- Choose color
Step-by-Step Instructions
Windows Version
Change Background Color:
- Open your Word document
- Click the Design tab in the ribbon
- In the "Page Background" group, click Page Color
- Choose from:
- Theme colors
- Standard colors
- More Colors for custom shades
- Fill Effects for gradients
Enable Printing of Background:
By default, Word doesn't print page colors. To fix:
- File → Options
- Click Display in left panel
- Check ✅ Print background colors and images
- Click OK
Mac Version
- Design → Page Color
- Select your color
- To print: Word → Preferences → Print → Check "Print background colors and images"
Best Uses for Colored Page Backgrounds
For Coloring Pages:
| Background | Best For |
|---|---|
| Light yellow | Vintage/antique look |
| Light blue | Ocean/sky themes |
| Light green | Nature/forest themes |
| Light pink | Princess/fairy themes |
| Light gray | Contrast for light images |
| Cream/off-white | Easy on eyes, elegant |
Creating Tinted Coloring Sheets:
- Insert your coloring page image
- Change page color to light tint
- Print on white paper
- The tinted background makes coloring easier on eyes
Gradient and Pattern Backgrounds
Add Gradient:
- Design → Page Color → Fill Effects
- Select Gradient tab
- Choose colors and style
- Apply
Add Texture:
- Design → Page Color → Fill Effects
- Select Texture tab
- Choose texture (paper, canvas, etc.)
- Apply
Add Pattern:
- Design → Page Color → Fill Effects
- Select Pattern tab
- Choose pattern and colors
Troubleshooting
Background doesn't print? → Enable "Print background colors and images" in Options
Color looks different when printed? → Screen colors differ from print; do a test print
Background only on first page? → Page color applies to all pages by default; use section breaks for different colors per page
Color too dark? → Use More Colors → adjust brightness/saturation
Alternative: Use Free Coloring Pages
For ready-to-print coloring pages without needing to adjust backgrounds:
- All our coloring pages are optimized for printing
- Clean white backgrounds print perfectly
- Create custom pages with any theme
- Download as PDF, ready to print
Related Tips
Want to create actual coloring pages in Word? Check out:
Or skip the hassle and use our free coloring page collection!
Last updated 2026-01-18.