How-To

How To Print Microsoft Word Document Background Color

By Bryan M. Wolfe

Updated November 27, 2023

Yes, you can print the background color or image in Microsoft Word. Here’s how to do it.

Yes, you can print the background color or image in Microsoft Word. Doing so is slightly different, depending on whether you’re using Windows or Mac. Here are the steps you need to take to print the background color or image in Microsoft Word.

Windows

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click New to create a new document or open an existing one.
3. Choose File > Options.
4. Select Display.
5. Click print background colors and images under Printing Options.
6. Choose OK.

You can now print the background color and images of your Microsoft Word documents in Windows.

End Background Printing

To reverse course and no longer print the background color or image in Microsoft Word in Windows:

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click New to create a new document or open an existing one.
3. Choose File > Options.
4. Select Display.
5. Uncheck Print background colors and images under Printing Options.
6. Choose OK.

Mac

On Mac, the steps are slightly different, as you can see below.

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click New to create a new document or open an existing one.
3. Choose Word > Preferences.
4. Select Print under Output and Sharing.
5. Click Print background colors and images under Printing Options.
6. Close the Print dialog box.

You can now print the background color and images of your Microsoft word documents in macOS.

End Background Printing

To reverse course and no longer print the background color or image in Microsoft Word in Mac:

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click New to create a new document or open an existing one.
3. Choose Word > Preferences.
4. Select Print under Output and Sharing.
5. Uncheck Print background colors and images under Printing Options.
6. Close the Print dialog box.

New to Microsoft Word?

If you haven’t purchased a Microsoft Word license and need to, Microsoft offers differently monthly and yearly packages online.

For home use, the Microsoft 365 suite is currently available in three varieties, including a Family, Personal, and Home & Student plan. The first is priced at $100 per year (or $10/month) and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for Mac, and is useful for up to six users. The Personal version is for one person and is $70/year or $6.99 per month. The student plan is a one-time purchase of $150 and includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint only.

Business users can select from Basic, Standard, and Premium plans, starting at $5 per user/month.

For Mac users, the easiest way to get Microsoft Word installed on your computer is through a Mac App Store download. You’ll still need a Microsoft 365 subscription, however, to activate the app. Downloading the Microsoft 365 app includes four of the supported apps. Besides Word, there’s Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.