How Do I Change The Color Of A Page In Google Docs?

To change the color of a page in Google Docs, navigate to the "File" menu, select "Page setup," and choose a new color from the "Page color" option.

This will apply the new color to the entire document.

How to change the page color on a computer

This is the standard and most direct method for changing the background color of your entire document.

1. Open your Google Doc. Go to docs.google.com and open the document you wish to edit.
2. Click "File." This is located in the top-left corner of the toolbar.
3. Select "Page setup" from the drop-down menu.
4. Click the "Page color" circle in the bottom-left of the dialog box.
5. Choose a color from the palette.
   • You can select one of the preset colors.
   • For a custom color, click the "Custom" option (the plus sign) to enter a specific hex code or use the color picker.
6. Click "OK." The background color of your document will update immediately.

How to change the page color on the mobile app

The process is slightly different for the Google Docs mobile app, but just as simple.

1. Open the Google Docs app on your mobile device.
2. Open your document.
3. Tap the three vertical dots menu icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Select "Page setup" from the menu.
5. Tap "Page color".
6. Choose a new color from the palette and shades provided.
7. Tap the back arrow to exit the menu and apply your changes.

Advanced techniques and considerations

While the "Page setup" method is the most straightforward, here are some other tips and limitations to be aware of.

Change the background color of a single page

As of 2025, there is no built-in feature to change the background color of just one page within a Google Docs document. The "Page setup" option applies the color to the entire document. However, there are workarounds:

• The table method: Insert a 1x1 table and expand it to fill the entire page. Then, change the fill color of the table cell. You can insert your text and other content inside the table.
• The "borders and shading" method: Some users have reported success by going to Format > Paragraph Styles > Borders and shading and changing the background color for specific paragraph styles.
• Separate documents: The most reliable method is to create separate documents for pages that require different background colors and then combine them into a single PDF if needed.

Address issues with margin and text color

If you change your page color to a dark tone, your default black text may become difficult to read. You may need to change your text color to a lighter shade, like white.

1. Highlight the text you want to change.
2. Click the "Text color" icon, represented by an "A" with a colored line underneath it, in the toolbar.
3. Choose a new color, such as white.

Set a default page color for all new documents

If you want every new document you create to have a specific page color, you can set a new default.

1. Change the page color of a document using the "Page setup" method.
2. Go back to File > Page setup.
3. Click the "Set as default" button in the dialog box.
4. Click "OK." All new documents will now be created with that page color.

When to use a colored page background

Changing your page color is not just a stylistic choice; it can also be functional. Here are some situations where it can be beneficial:

• Branding: If you're creating a flyer, a report, or a document for your business, using a specific brand color can reinforce your identity.
• Readability: For some, reading black text on a white background for an extended period can cause eye strain. A light beige or gray background can be a gentler option.
• Highlighting sections: While a single page cannot have a unique color, using the table workaround is great for creating visually distinct cover pages, intros, or special announcements within a document.
• Mood and aesthetics: For creative projects, a custom background color can set a specific tone or mood for your work.