How to Print Background Color in Word 2013

By default, Word 2013 does not print the background color or background images you set in your document. This guide shows you how to enable the option so your printed pages include the background color, and it also covers common pitfalls and troubleshooting.

What You’ll Need

• Microsoft Word 2013 installed on your computer.
• A document that already has a background color or background image applied (via the Page Color or Page Borders options).
• A printer that supports color printing (if you want the color to appear in color).

Step-by-Step

1. Open your document in Word 2013.
2. Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Options. A new window titled Word Options will open.
4. In the Word Options window, click Display in the left sidebar.
5. Scroll down to the section labeled Printing options.
6. Check the box next to Print background colors and images.
7. Click OK to save the change and close the window.
8. Now go to File > Print (or press Ctrl+P) to open the print preview. You should see the background color in the preview.
9. Select your printer and adjust any other print settings as needed, then click Print.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to enable the option: The most common mistake is not checking the Print background colors and images box. Without it, Word silently drops the background.
• Using a background that is too dark: A dark background can make text unreadable on paper and use a lot of ink. Consider a lighter shade or adjust text color for contrast.
• Printing in grayscale: If your printer is set to grayscale or black-and-white, the background will print as a gray or may not print at all. Check your printer settings.
• Not checking print preview: Always preview before printing. If the background doesn’t appear in the preview, it won’t print.

Tips

• Use a light background to save ink and keep text legible.
• Test with a single page before printing the whole document to avoid wasting paper.
• If you want the background only on certain pages, consider using a text box or shape filled with color placed behind the text instead of a page color.
• Remember that this setting is global – it affects all documents you print from Word 2013, not just the current one.

Troubleshooting

Background still not printing

• Double-check that the Print background colors and images box is checked. Sometimes the setting resets if Word is updated or if a different profile is used.
• Make sure your printer driver is up to date. An outdated driver can cause color printing issues.
• Try printing to a different printer (e.g., a PDF printer) to see if the background appears. If it does, the issue is with your physical printer’s settings.
• Check your printer’s color settings – some printers have a “draft” mode that omits backgrounds.

Background prints but looks wrong

• If the color appears too light or too dark, adjust the page color in Word (Design tab > Page Color) and try again.
• If the background is an image, ensure it is not set to “washout” or “watermark” mode, which prints very faintly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Word print the background color by default?

Microsoft disabled background printing by default to save ink and improve print speed. You have to manually enable it in the Options.

Will this setting affect all my documents?

Yes, the setting is a global Word option. Once enabled, it applies to any document you print from Word 2013.

Can I set a different background for each page?

Yes, but not directly with Page Color. You can insert a colored rectangle or text box behind the text on specific pages, or use section breaks and apply different page colors to each section.

Does the background print if I save as PDF?

No. The setting only affects printing. To include the background in a PDF, you need to use a PDF printer (like “Microsoft Print to PDF”) after enabling the option, and the PDF will capture the background.

My background is a picture, not a color. Will it print?

Yes, as long as the option is enabled and the picture is set as the page background (or a watermark). The same setting controls both colors and images.

I enabled the option but the background still doesn’t print. What else can I try?

Try restarting Word, check your printer’s color settings, and ensure you are not in “Draft” print mode. If using a network printer, check with your IT department if the printer has its own color management settings.

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