Quick answer
Open your Miro board, click the three-dot menu in the top toolbar, select Board, then choose Background color from the submenu. A color palette appears with several preset options plus a custom color picker. Click any swatch to preview it instantly, and your choice applies immediately to the entire board for every collaborator viewing it.
Steps at a glance
- Open the board you want to customize
- Click the three-dot menu in the top header bar
- Select the Board option from the dropdown
- Choose Background color from the Board submenu
- Pick a color from the palette that appears
- Confirm the new background applies across the board
Summary
Miro lets you swap the default white canvas for a solid color background directly from the board menu. This small customization helps distinguish boards at a glance, reduces glare during long sessions, and gives presentations or workshops a more polished look.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open your Miro board
Log in to Miro and open the board whose background you want to change from your dashboard. If you haven't created a board yet, follow the steps to create a board first, since background color settings only appear once a board is open.
Step 2
Click the three-dot menu
In the top header bar, locate and click the three-dot icon (More options). This opens a dropdown menu with several board-level settings, including layout, export, and background options.
Step 3
Select the Board option
From the dropdown menu, click on Board. This expands a submenu specific to board-wide settings rather than individual object properties.
Step 4
Choose Background color
Within the Board submenu, click Background color. A color palette panel will appear, showing a range of preset colors including white, gray, and several tinted options designed to reduce screen glare.
Step 5
Select your desired color
Click any swatch in the palette to preview it on your canvas immediately. The change applies in real time, so you can click through a few options before settling on the one that best suits your content or team branding.
Step 6
Verify the change with collaborators
If you're working with a team, refresh or check that the new background color displays correctly for other members viewing the board. This is especially useful when you invite collaborators to a session and want a consistent visual experience for everyone.
Why this matters
You're running a workshop or client presentation and the plain white canvas feels flat or hard to distinguish from other open boards. Changing the background color instantly makes your board easier to identify in a list, reduces eye strain for your team, and gives shared sessions a more intentional, branded feel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the background color on Miro's free plan?
Yes, background color customization is available on Miro's free plan and doesn't require an upgrade. Any board you create can have its background changed through the Board menu.
Does changing the background color affect existing sticky notes or shapes?
No, changing the board background only affects the canvas color behind your content. Sticky notes, shapes, and other elements keep their original colors and remain fully visible.
Can I set a custom color instead of using the presets?
The background color palette in Miro typically offers a curated set of preset colors rather than a full custom color wheel. Choose the closest preset to match your team's branding or visual preference.
Will the background color change apply to templates I use later?
No, background color is set per board, so if you start a new board using templates, it will use the default background until you change it again.
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