Knowing how to change your PDF’s background color can be helpful for night mode reading, presentations, or branded materials. To do so, you can use Adobe Acrobat Pro, online PDF editors, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs.
In our guide, we uncover 3 simple methods to change PDF background color, so you can improve the readability, accessibility, and aesthetics of your PDFs.
Why Is It Necessary to Change a PDF’s Background Color?
It is sometimes necessary to change the background color of a document because it influences PDF accessibility, your branding, or printing. Even though it might seem like a small detail, the color can make a significant difference in how your PDF is used and perceived.
First, from an accessibility standpoint, adjusting the background color improves readability for people with visual impairments or sensitivity to light. A softer background can reduce eye strain, provide stronger contrast, and make it easier to follow the content.
Also, color is one of the most common components of branding. Beyond aesthetics, it influences perception, evokes emotions, and communicates values, making color-branded PDFs feel more professional and reliable. This visual cohesiveness not only strengthens brand recall but also builds trust and creates a memorable experience for audiences.
Lastly, printing considerations can influence the choice of a PDF’s background color. Lighter tones may reduce ink consumption and lower costs for large print runs, which is important when working with PDF e-books, forms, and marketing materials.
3 Easy Methods to Change a PDF’s Background Color
Below are three easy methods to change a PDF's background color, each with its own advantages and limitations:
#1. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
With Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can change the PDF background color as well as customize the color's opacity and play around with options, such as adding an image as the background.
Follow these steps to edit your PDF’s background:
- Open your PDF with Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Find the global bar in the upper-left corner and click Edit.
- Click More under Add Content, then Background > Add.
- Choose the Source, Appearance, and Position of the background.
- Click OK to apply the background.
However, note that this PDF background color change method requires a subscription; it is worth it if you regularly work with PDFs. However, if you only need to make occasional edits, a free online PDF editor or a conversion through Microsoft Word or Google Docs may be a better choice.
#2. Using Online PDF Editors
Online PDF editors offer an accessible way to change background colors without the need of any software installation. They are especially useful if you only need to make small edits, such as changing text, or don’t have access to premium programs like Adobe Acrobat Pro.
However, because they are browser-based, they pose more risks unless you work exclusively with non-sensitive PDFs. To determine if an online PDF editor is safe, it is best to check for HTTPS connections and clear privacy policies.
#3. Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs
You can use Microsoft Word or Google Docs if you don’t have dedicated PDF software. All you need to do is convert your PDF into Word or Google Docs and then edit the background color.
Here’s how to do it in a few simple clicks in Microsoft Word and Google Docs:
Microsoft Word
- Convert your PDF into Microsoft Word using PDF.net.
- Open the converted document in Microsoft Word.
- Select Design in the top menu.
- Click Page Color and choose your preferred background.
- Review the results; some elements may have shifted, so adjust them accordingly.
- Save the file, then click File > Save As > PDF to export it as a PDF.
Google Docs
- Upload your PDF to Google Docs.
- Go to the top menu and select File > Page Setup.
- Under Page Color, choose your preferred background.
- Apply changes and check if the content looks correct.
- Select File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf) to download the updated document in a PDF format.
Using Microsoft Word or Google Docs for PDF customization is particularly handy for text-heavy files, but may distort layouts that include graphics, tables, or complex formatting that usually need to be PDF text-wrapped.
How to Change PDF Background Color for Accessibility
You can use built-in features in PDF editors or accessibility settings on your device to change the background color of a PDF for accessibility.
For example, creating a high-contrast PDF with light text on a dark background makes on-screen reading more comfortable. Some editors allow you to set custom color schemes or apply changes across multiple pages for consistency.
The key to accessibility is not only the background color itself but also how it interacts with the text. Poor combinations can make content difficult to read, while the right pairings improve the user's experience.
These are the main tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid red/green or blue/purple pairings, which are difficult for color-blind users
- Use a high contrast, such as black text on a white background or white text on black
- Check color contrast ratios with accessibility tools to meet compliance standards
- Choose softer background tones, like light gray, to reduce glare
- Make sure links, headings, and lists still stand out
What to Avoid When Changing PDF Background Color
Below are some of the most important things to avoid when changing a PDF's background color:
- Using overly bright or clashing colors. For example, neon or highly saturated colors; these look eye-catching but reduce readability because they cause eye strain. Instead, you choose softer tones or high-contrast combinations that make the text stand out clearly without overwhelming the reader.
- Forgetting to check all pages or layers. Many PDFs contain multiple layers or design elements. So, if you only update the main pages, hidden layers or background sections may still show the old color. This can result in an inconsistent look that distracts readers and makes the document appear unprofessional. That said, be sure to always review your whole file.
- Not saving a copy. Editing directly on your only version risks data loss. Therefore, make it a habit to save a backup copy before you make any changes. This way, you still have an original version that you can re-duplicate if formatting shifts, colors do not display as expected, or PDF missing text issues occur.
Make Other Changes to Your PDF with PDF.net
This handy browser-based tool offers a full suite of tools to polish your PDFs effortlessly. For branding, you can change the fonts and add images of your logos. If your PDF is too large, you can compress it in a few clicks.
Also, you can improve your document’s accessibility by rearranging pages and adding page numbers automatically. The best part about PDF.net is that it uses secure connections and deletes your PDF shortly after processing it, so you don’t have to worry about your content’s security.
Final Thoughts
Changing your PDF’s background color can help with accessibility, branding, and printing. As we already mentioned, it is easy to do it with Adobe Acrobat, online PDF editors, and Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
When choosing the color, remember to prioritize a high PDF contrast but avoid overly bright schemes that tire the eyes, check all pages in case of hidden layers, and save a backup copy before making changes.
How to Change a PDF’s Background Color FAQs
#1. Can I change the background color of a scanned PDF?
You can change the background color of a scanned PDF after running it through an OCR tool, which makes it editable. However, unlike a regular PDF, editing scanned PDFs requires additional steps.
#2. Will changing the background color affect printing quality?
Changing the background color of a PDF can affect the printing quality if you don’t choose an appropriate color. Dark or saturated backgrounds may use more ink, while lighter colors generally print more efficiently. To ensure the printing quality meets your expectations, preview a sample page before printing large volumes.
#3. Can I change the PDF background color on some pages only?
Yes, you can change the PDF background color on some pages only. Simply specify a page range or work on each page at a time to leave certain pages in their original colors.
#4. Can I set a custom image or gradient instead of a solid background color in a PDF?
Yes, you can set a custom image or gradient instead of a solid background color in a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft Word. Some advanced online PDF editors may also offer this option.
#5. Will changing the background color increase the file size of my PDF?
Changing the background color will not increase the file size of your PDF by too much. If you use more complex backgrounds, such as those with images, patterns, or gradients, your file size may increase a bit more than with solid colors.