Microsoft Word 2013 is packed with powerful formatting features, including the ability to add background colors, themes, page borders, and patterns. However, many users get frustrated when they discover that background colors and images do not print by default.
If you’re creating certificates, flyers, invitations, cover pages, or decorative documents, printing background colors is essential. Fortunately, Word 2013 allows you to enable this feature with just a few clicks.
This complete guide explains how to print background colors in Word 2013, why the feature is disabled by default, and additional tips to ensure your documents print exactly the way you see them on screen.
Why Background Colors Don’t Print by Default
Word 2013 disables background-color printing to:
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Reduce ink and toner usage
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Improve printing speed
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Avoid accidental printing of large solid backgrounds
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Maintain compatibility with basic printers
Because of these reasons, you must manually enable background printing.
How to Print Background Colors in Word 2013
Here is the exact method to turn on background printing in Word 2013.
✅ Method 1: Enable Background Printing Through Word Options
This is the official and most reliable way to print background colors.
Follow these steps:
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Open Microsoft Word 2013.
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Click the File tab located in the top-left corner.
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Select Options at the bottom of the sidebar.
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In the Word Options window, click Display from the left panel.
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Look for the section labeled Printing options.
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Check the box that says Print background colors and images.
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Click OK to save your settings.
Now Word will include all background colors and images when printing.
🎨 What Happens After Enabling This Option?
Once this feature is turned on:
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Page background color prints exactly as shown
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Page background images also print
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Themes and patterns are displayed correctly on hard copies
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Cover pages look more professional
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Flyers and brochures match on-screen designs
How to Add a Background Color in Word 2013 (If Needed)
If you haven’t already added a background color to your document, follow these steps:
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Go to the Design tab.
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Click Page Color.
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Select a solid color, gradient, pattern, or fill.
This color will now print once the background printing option is enabled.
Troubleshooting: Background Still Not Printing?
Even after enabling the proper option, your printer may still fail to print background colors. Here are the possible reasons and solutions:
❌ 1. Printer Has Low Ink or Toner
Most printers automatically restrict heavy color usage when ink levels are low.
Solution:
Refill or replace ink cartridges, then try printing again.
❌ 2. Draft Mode Is Enabled
Draft mode speeds up printing but removes most background elements.
Solution:
Go to File → Options → Advanced → Print, and uncheck Print in background or Draft mode.
❌ 3. Printer Driver Doesn’t Support Background Printing
Some older or basic inkjet printers may not properly render large color areas.
Solution:
Update your printer driver from the manufacturer’s website.
❌ 4. Background Color Is Set Using a Shape Instead of Page Fill
If your background was created using a rectangle shape, it may sit behind the text but not print fully.
Solution:
Use Design → Page Color instead of shapes.
Tips for Better Background Printing Results
To ensure your document prints beautifully, consider the following tips:
✔ Use High-Quality Paper
Glossy or matte-coated paper improves color depth and prevents ink bleed.
✔ Avoid Large Solid Colors If Possible
Solid backgrounds use heavy ink. Patterns or light gradients can save ink and still look great.
✔ Test Print a Single Page
Before printing a 20-page colored document, print one page to check color accuracy.
✔ Use a Modern Printer
Laser printers produce sharp, clean backgrounds without streaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Word 2013 allow printing background images as well?
Yes! Background printing applies to both colors and images.
2. Will enabling this option increase ink usage?
Absolutely. Large background areas consume a significant amount of ink.
3. Does this setting apply to all future documents?
Yes, unless you manually turn it off again.
Final Thoughts
Printing with background colors in Word 2013 is simple once you know where to activate the setting. By enabling Print background colors and images, your documents will print exactly as they appear on your screen—perfect for professional reports, flyers, invitations, brochures, and creative projects.
