How to Change Paper Color in Google Docs

Ever wished you could change the background color of your Google Docs to make your documents stand out or align with your brand's colors? While Google Docs doesn't have a direct option for this, there's a workaround to achieve this effect. Let's dive into how you can apply a custom background color to your Google Docs.

Before we begin, please note that this method only changes the background color of your document's web interface. The color will not be visible when you print the document or view it in other applications. Now, let's get started.

Using Google Docs Add-ons to Change Background Color

For changing the background color in Google Docs, we'll need to use a third-party add-on since Google Docs doesn't support this feature natively. One such useful add-on is 'Document Themer'.

First, you need to install the 'Document Themer' add-on. To do this, follow these steps:

Installing 'Document Themer' Add-on

1. Open your Google Doc and click on 'Extensions' in the menu, then select 'Apps Script'.

2. In the Apps Script editor that appears, click on 'Resources', then select 'Libraries'.

3. In the script library search bar, type 'Document Themer' and hit enter. Among the search results, select 'Document Themer' by 'Aleix Narremente'.

4. Click on the save button and then close the Apps Script window.

Applying a Custom Background Color

Now that you have installed the 'Document Themer' add-on, let's use it to change the background color of your Google Docs.

This add-on allows you to use predefined themes or create your own custom themes. For this guide, we'll walk you through creating a custom theme with a different background color.

Creating a Custom Theme

1. In your Google Doc, click on 'Extensions' in the menu, then select 'Document Themer'.

2. In the side panel that opens, click on the 'New Theme' button.

3. In the 'Theme Info' modal, provide a name for your theme and click 'OK'.

4. Now that you're in the theme editor, click on the 'Background' tab. Here you can select a pre-defined color or input a hex color code to match your desired background color.

5. Once you've selected your preferred color, click the 'Save' button to apply the new background color to your document.

6. Finally, click 'Close' to exit the theme editor. Your Google Doc should now display the custom background color you chose.

Exploring different colors and themes can help you create visually appealing documents. With 'Document Themer', you can find the perfect color combination for your Google Docs. Happy theming!

Remember, while this change is visible in the web interface, printed documents and those viewed on other applications will display with a standard white background. If you'd like the changes to persist in printed documents, consider using a desktop publishing tool like Adobe InDesign.