How to Print Background Color in Word 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide

Printing background color in Word 2013 is a simple task that can add visual interest to your document. By accessing the ‘Page Layout’ tab and selecting ‘Page Color’, you can choose from a variety of colors and apply it as the background of your document. Remember to check the ‘Print background colors and images’ box in the ‘Options’ menu before printing to ensure your background color appears on the printed page.

After completing the above action, your document will print with the chosen background color, making it stand out and giving it a professional or creative touch, depending on the color you select.

Introduction

Have you ever looked at a Word document and thought it looked a bit, well, bland? Sometimes, a splash of color is all you need to bring your work to life. Whether you’re creating a flyer, a newsletter, or just want to make your report a bit more eye-catching, adding a background color can make a significant difference. But how do you print that color along with your text in Word 2013? It might seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, it’s actually pretty straightforward.

Understanding how to print background color in Word 2013 is essential for anyone looking to create visually appealing documents. This feature is particularly relevant for marketing professionals, students, and small business owners who want to add a professional touch to their documents. The ability to print background colors can enhance the readability of a document, emphasize sections, and improve the overall presentation. So, let’s dive in and learn how to bring some color to your Word documents.

Step by Step Tutorial to Print Background Color in Word 2013

Before we begin, it’s important to note that printing background colors can use up more ink than usual, so use this feature sparingly or when it’s truly needed.

Step 1: Open the ‘Page Layout’ Tab

Access the ‘Page Layout’ tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window.

This tab contains various options to customize the appearance of your document’s pages, including margins, orientation, and of course, page color.

Step 2: Click on ‘Page Color’

Select the ‘Page Color’ option to open a palette of color choices.

Here, you’ll find a spectrum of color options to choose from. You can pick a color that complements your document’s content or theme.

Step 3: Choose Your Color

Select a color to apply it as the background of your document.

Once you click on a color, it will automatically fill the background of your Word document. You can change it or remove it at any time before printing.

Step 4: Print Preview

Before printing, it’s always a good idea to preview your document to ensure the background color looks as expected.

Checking the print preview will save you from potential mishaps, like realizing your text is unreadable on a dark background.

Step 5: Check ‘Print Background Colors and Images’

Go to ‘File’, click on ‘Options’, select ‘Display’, and check the box that says ‘Print background colors and images’.

This often-overlooked step is critical. Without it, your document will print without the background color, no matter how perfectly it appears on your screen.

Step 6: Print Your Document

Now that you’ve ensured the background color will print, go ahead and print your document.

Remember to check your printer settings and make sure that you have enough ink, especially if you’re printing multiple copies.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Enhanced Visual Appeal	A colored background can make a document more visually engaging compared to a standard white background.
Emphasize Information	Using color strategically can help highlight important sections or information in your document.
Improved Readability	In some cases, background color can improve contrast and make text easier to read for those with visual impairments.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Increased Ink Usage	Printing background colors can consume more ink than printing standard documents.
Potential Readability Issues	If not chosen carefully, some background colors may reduce the readability of the text, especially if there’s not enough contrast.
Printer Compatibility	Not all printers handle printing background colors well, which might result in inconsistent quality.

Additional Information

While adding a background color to your Word document can enhance its appearance, there are a few additional tips you should keep in mind. First, consider the color psychology behind your choice; different colors can evoke different emotions or reactions from your readers. For instance, blue often conveys a sense of trust and calm, while yellow can signify energy and attention-grabbing.

Also, think about the context in which your document will be read. If it’s going to be viewed online or as a digital file, the colors might appear differently on various screens. For printed documents, consider the type of paper you’re using – some papers may not show off your chosen color as vibrantly as others.

When printing background color in Word 2013, it’s crucial to remember that the color on your screen may not match the printed color exactly due to differences in monitor calibration and printer settings. If color accuracy is vital for your document, consider doing a test print on a single page before printing the entire document.

Summary

1. Open the ‘Page Layout’ tab
2. Click on ‘Page Color’
3. Choose your color
4. Preview the document
5. Check the ‘Print background colors and images’ option
6. Print the document

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I print background color in Word if I have a black and white printer?

You can still select a background color, but it will print in shades of gray on a black and white printer.

Will printing a background color use up more ink?

Yes, printing in color generally uses more ink than printing in black and white.

Can I save my document with the background color included?

Absolutely, the background color will be saved with your document and will appear any time you open it.

What if my printed color doesn’t match the color on my screen?

Monitor and printer settings can cause colors to differ. It’s recommended to do a test print to ensure the color meets your expectations.

How do I remove the background color if I change my mind?

Go back to the ‘Page Color’ option and choose ‘No Color’ to remove the background color from your document.

Conclusion

There you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to print background color in Word 2013. Whether you’re jazzing up a personal project or adding a touch of professionalism to your business documents, a splash of color can make all the difference. Just remember to use this feature wisely; consider the context, your audience, and the added expense of ink.

And always preview and test your document before printing to avoid any unpleasant surprises. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to create and print vibrant, eye-catching Word documents that stand out from the crowd.