How to change the page color in Google Docs

Change the page color in Google Docs from File > Page setup. Pick a swatch from the Default palette, click OK, and see the new page background.

Quick answer

To change the page color in Google Docs, open the File menu and choose Page setup. In the Page setup dialog, select the Page color control and pick a swatch from the Default palette. Click OK to confirm, and the page background changes to the color you picked across the whole document.

Steps at a glance

  1. Open the File menu.
  2. Choose Page setup.
  3. Select the Page color control.
  4. Pick a light swatch from the Default palette.
  5. Click OK to apply it.
  6. Check the colored page.

Interactive demo

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Summary

Page color sets the background of every page in a Google Doc. It lives in the Page setup dialog, next to paper size and margins. A soft color can make a draft easier on the eyes or help a document stand out on screen.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Open the File menu

    Click "File" in the menu bar above your document. The menu lists options such as New, Open, Make a copy and Page setup.

  2. Step 2

    Choose Page setup

    Select "Page setup" from the File menu. The Page setup dialog opens over your document.

  3. Step 3

    Open the Page color control

    In the Page setup dialog, find "Page color" next to "Paper size". Click the small swatch with the arrow to open the color palette. The dialog also shows the "Apply to" option set to "Whole document".

  4. Step 4

    Pick a light color

    Choose a swatch from the Default palette. A light shade keeps your text easy to read. The Page color swatch in the dialog updates to show your choice.

  5. Step 5

    Confirm the page color

    Click "OK" in the bottom corner of the Page setup dialog to apply the color.

  6. Step 6

    Check the colored page

    The dialog closes and the page behind your text now shows the new color. Your text stays unchanged on top of it.

Why this matters

You are editing a long draft on screen and the bright white page strains your eyes, or you want a handout to look different from plain documents. Changing the page color takes a few clicks and restyles the whole document at once.

Frequently asked questions

  • Where is the page color setting in Google Docs?

    It is in the Page setup dialog, which you open from File > Page setup. The "Page color" control sits next to "Paper size".

  • Does the color apply to the whole document?

    In this capture the "Apply to" option was set to "Whole document", and the page behind the text showed the chosen color after clicking "OK".

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