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How to Add a Gradient Background to a Word Document

Tap a step to see it in order.

  1. Open the "Design" tab

    Click the Design tab on the ribbon.

  2. Click "Page Color"

    In the Page Background group, click Page Color.

  3. Choose "Fill Effects"

    Click Fill Effects at the bottom of the dropdown menu.

  4. Pick colors on the "Gradient" tab

    On the Gradient tab, choose your colors, shading style, and direction, then click OK.

A more polished look for invitations and cover pages

When a plain, single-color background feels flat, a smooth gradient can make an invitation or a document cover look noticeably more polished and refined.

The Fill Effects dialog has more than just gradients

Once you're in the Fill Effects dialog, it's worth exploring the other tabs too -- Texture applies subtle background patterns like paper or canvas, and Pattern lets you layer two colors in a repeating design. All three options live in the same place, so it's easy to compare them before settling on a gradient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the gradient background actually print?

Not by default -- Word is set to skip printing background colors and images. To print it, go to File > Options > Display and check "Print background colors and images."

Can I change the direction of the gradient?

Yes. On the Gradient tab of the Fill Effects dialog, you can choose horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and other shading directions.