Adding a Background to Your Document

You probably are already aware that Word provides many different ways for you to get fancy with your documents. For instance, you can add graphics and WordArt that convey information much better--at times--than mere words alone can.

One of the ways you can make your document fancy if it is destined for a Web page is to add a background. Simply follow these two simple steps:

1. Choose Background from the Format menu. Word displays a small palette that shows colors and has a couple other choices.
2. Choose the color you want to use for the background of your documents.

Word automatically switches to Online Layout view, if you are using Word 97, or Web Layout view, if you are using a later version of Word. Note that the color you selected is visible as a background for the document. You should note that the background colors are visible only in any other view. If you switch the views, the document looks normal again (with a white background), but switching back to Online Layout or Web Layout view displays the same background color again.