Creating Web Pages Using Microsoft Word

Lesson Two: Adding Background a Background Color or Image

By default, web pages created with Word have simple white backgrounds and black text. Using Word’s built-in formatting options, you may select any solid background color and any text color or combination of text colors you prefer. You can also insert a background image. Background images are repeated or tiled to fill the screen display.

When choosing combinations of colors or background images for your new web page, you will want to think about such considerations as the following:

Readability – Choose complimentary colors or background images that do not interfere with the text on your page.
Aesthetics – Create attractive layouts and color combinations that convey a sense of who you are and encourage visitors to return again.
ADA Issues – Be cautious when using color to convey information; some of the visitors to your web site may have difficulty seeing certain colors such as red and green.
Printing – Will visitors need or want to print information from your web site? If so, dark backgrounds and light text may not print correctly or at all.

Adding Background Color

Background color may be added before or after you have added text and images to your new web page. To add a background color, click on Format, Background, then select the color you wish:

When using dark colored backgrounds, be sure to use a light color text such as the following example:

Word also allows you to create your own custom background color. Go to Format, Background, More Colors:

You may select a custom color by positioning your mouse cursor within one of the color dots and clicking to select a new tint.

Adding a Background Image

To add a tiled background image to your web page, save a copy of the image on your disk. To insert it as a background image, click Format, Background, Fill Effects. You will see a tabbed display of fill effect options. Click the Picture tab, then Select Picture: