How To Remove a Background Color in Google Docs

Much like other word processors, Google Docs uses white as the default background color. However, thanks to the wide range of customization features, the program leaves you free to play around with different shades and background colors. Additionally, if you change your mind during the process, you can always set it back to white.

Since there are two versions of the word processor – an online tool and an app for iOS and Android devices – we’ve included steps for both. The UI is equally responsive in both cases and comes with the same features. The only downside is you can’t change the background on a single page; whatever changes you make affect every page of the document. However, there’s a way to bypass this problem, and we included instructions for that in one of the sections.

How to Remove Background Color in Google Docs on a PC

Let’s start with changing the background color in Google Docs. If the shade you’ve chosen is too dark, the text might be hard to read. Alternatively, you might not like how the overall document looks with the added color. Either way, you can revert the settings to the default white background.

So, here’s how to do it with the web-based version:

1. First, make sure you’re signed in to your Google account when you access Google Drive. Then open an existing document, or create a new one by clicking on the “+” icon in the top-right corner.
   
2. In the toolbar at the top of the doc, click on the “File” tab to access a drop-down menu. From the list of features, select “Page Setup.”
   
3. A pop-up box will appear. Expand the “Page Color” drop menu and set the background to white.
   
4. Once you’re done, click “OK” to apply the changes.
   

How to Remove Background Color in Google Docs on an Android or iPhone

As mentioned, you can use the mobile app to edit the document on the go. Since the iOS and Android versions share the same interface, the following steps apply in both cases. So, here’s how to change the background color in Google Docs using your mobile device:

1. Launch the Google Docs app and select the document you want to edit.
   
2. Tap on the pencil icon at the bottom right to edit the document, then tap on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the display.
   
3. A pop-up panel will appear. Choose “Page Setup” from the list of options.
   
4. You’ll be redirected to a new window. Select “Page Color” to customize the background.
   
5. Slide the color palette to find white, then select it.
   

How to Change the Background Color in Google Docs

While a white background is considered the standard, adding a splash of color to your doc can make it more appealing. If you use Google Docs to create promotional materials such as flyers or brochures, the feature can help you achieve a striking visual effect. Apart from providing a diverse color palette, Google Docs also enables you to set a customized color background. Here’s how to do it with the online tool:

1. Go to your Google Drive and open the Google Docs file you want to edit.
   
2. Click on the “File” tab at the top of the page.
   
3. From the drop-down panel, select “Page Setup.”
   
4. In the pop-up box, expand the “Page Color” menu. Then pick a shade from the palette.
   
5. If you want to create a custom color, click on the tiny plus button at the bottom of the color picker panel. Move the slider at the bottom of the panel and pick a color. Then determine the shade with your cursor.
   
6. Once you’re done, click “OK.”
   
   

And here’s how to change the background with the mobile app:

1. Tap on the Google Docs icon to launch the app.
2. Next, open the document. In the top right corner of the display, tap on the three vertical dots.
   
3. From the drop-down list, open “Page Setup.”
   
4. Go to “Page Color” and pick a background color from the palette. Below, you’ll see different shades of color, so tap on the one you like.
   

Depending on the chosen shade, the standard black color of the text may become less visible. If that’s the case, you can adjust the color of the letters while keeping the new background. Here’s what you should do:

1. Highlight the text with your cursor or hold “CTRL + A” to select it.
2. Click on the text color icon (the letter “A” with a strand of color below).
3. Pick a color from the drop-down panel.

How to Make the Page a Different Color in Google Docs

Unfortunately, you can’t change the background of just one page in Google Docs. The customization feature is limited in that sense. There is an alternative solution, albeit slightly different than changing the color of an entire page. You can change the background color of the paragraphs and further highlight the text. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Google Docs file from your Drive.
   
2. In the toolbar above the doc, click on “Format.”
   
3. From the drop-down list, select “Paragraph Styles,” then go to “Borders and Shading.”
   
4. A new panel will appear. Expand the drop-down menu in the “Background Color” section.
   
5. Choose a shade from the color picker. If you want to create a custom color, click on the tiny plus button (+) at the bottom of the panel.
   
6. Finally, click “Apply” to save the changes.
   

Since this will only change the paragraph’s background, the color won’t spread to the entire page. If you’re okay with white bars on the sides of the screen, then try this method.

Additional FAQs

Will my pages be printed with the background color I choose?

Other word processing software, like Microsoft Word, has trouble printing documents with unorthodox background colors. Fortunately, that’s not an issue with Google Docs. The printed file will have the same background color as the digital document.

However, the printouts don’t always match the on-screen version, especially when it comes to coloring. If you’re unhappy with the way the document turned out, there are several possible fixes. First, you can calibrate the display color of your computer to more closely match the output color. Windows PCs have a built-in tool you can use to do just that. Here’s how:

1. Use the search bar at the bottom-left corner of the screen to find the tool. Type “color calibration” or “calibrate display color” in the dialog box.

2. From there, follow the on-screen instructions for optimal color calibration.

Sometimes, the lackluster color is caused by the printer. You might want to calibrate the device as well. Typically, you can get the latest software from the manufacturer’s website, but that depends on the brand. It’s best to reach out to customer support for detailed instructions.

Lastly, you might have low-quality copier paper. While the standard type can work for text files, it might fall short if you have any visual elements like background colors or images. Consider using bright white paper instead if your printer is compatible with it.

Add a Splash of Color to Your Docs

With Google Docs, you’re free to customize your document as you wish. You can set the default or a custom color as the page background and later remove it if it doesn’t look that great. The comprehensive toolbar is super easy to navigate, allowing you to edit the file with multiple devices.

Unfortunately, as of now, it’s impossible only to change the background of a single Google Docs page. A possible workaround is to reset the background of individual paragraphs. However, the result is slightly less comprehensive. The good news is, if you decide to add a splash of color to your doc, you won’t have trouble printing it.

Is Google Docs your go-to online word processor? How much time do you spend customizing your documents? Let us know in the comment section below if there’s another way to change the background color of a single page.