Printing background color in a Word document can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible. You might want to do this to make your document look more vibrant or to highlight sections for emphasis. So, how do you get the background color to show up when you hit print? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Print Background Color in Word
Before we jump into the step-by-step process, it’s crucial to understand what we’re aiming for here. By default, Word doesn’t print background colors or images. This is to save on ink, but sometimes, you really want that splash of color. The steps below will help you change the settings so that your background color prints out just as it appears on the screen.
Step 1: Open the Word Document
Open the Word document you want to print with background color.
When you have your document open, make sure it’s the final version. Any edits after this process could mean you’ll have to go through these steps again before printing.
Step 2: Click on ‘File’
Click on the ‘File’ tab in the top-left corner of the Word document.
Clicking on ‘File’ will take you to the backstage view, where you’ll find various options for managing your document.
Step 3: Select ‘Options’
In the menu on the left, select ‘Options’ located towards the bottom.
This will open a Word Options dialog box, where you’ll be able to adjust many of Word’s default settings.
Step 4: Choose ‘Display’
In the Word Options dialog box, choose the ‘Display’ category on the left side.
The Display settings are where you can alter how things show up in your Word document, both on-screen and on the printed page.
Step 5: Check ‘Print Background Colors and Images’
Under the ‘Printing options’ section, check the box next to ‘Print background colors and images.’
Enabling this option tells Word that you want your background color to be included when you print the document.
Step 6: Click ‘OK’
After checking the box, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
Now that you’ve clicked ‘OK’, your settings are saved. Word will now include the background colors when you print.
After completing these steps, your Word document is ready to print with the background color. Simply go to ‘File’ > ‘Print’ and proceed as usual. Your hard copy will now reflect the vibrant colors you’ve chosen for your background. Just keep in mind that this will use more ink, especially if you’re printing multiple copies.
Tips on How to Print Background Color in Word
- Before printing, consider how the background color will affect the readability of the text.
- Use high-quality paper to ensure the colors print clearly and don’t bleed through.
- Check your printer settings to ensure it’s configured for the type of document you’re printing.
- Remember that printing background colors can use a lot of ink; make sure you have enough before starting a large print job.
- Always preview the document before printing to avoid any surprises with the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t my background color printing in Word?
This might be because the ‘Print background colors and images’ option is not checked in the Word Options. Follow the steps above to enable this feature.
Can I print background colors in Word for Mac?
Yes, the steps are similar for Word on a Mac. Go to ‘Word’ > ‘Preferences’ > ‘Print’ and then check ‘Print background colors and images.’
Will printing background color use more ink?
Yes, printing with background color will generally use more ink than printing a standard document.
Can I save ink while still printing background color?
Consider using lighter shades or only applying background color to certain sections of your document to save ink.
Will the background color print on every page?
Yes, once you enable the setting, the background color will print on every page of the document.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Click on ‘File’.
- Select ‘Options’.
- Choose ‘Display’.
- Check ‘Print Background Colors and Images’.
- Click ‘OK’.
