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Microsoft Word is an essential tool for digital work with its range of formatting and styling options. However, encountering a gray background can be frustrating. If you need to revert to the familiar white layout, follow this step-by-step guide tailored to solve this issue.
Learn how to eliminate the gray background in Microsoft Word for a professional and clear document appearance.
What Causes the Gray Background in Word?
To proceed, let’s understand why a gray background may appear in your Word document:
- Reading Layout View: Word may use Reading Layout View with a gray background for readability.
- Print Layout Options: Enabling ‘Text Boundaries’ or ‘Page Margins’ can cause a gray background.
- Page Color Settings: The intentional or accidental change of ‘Page Color’ to gray may be the cause.
With these causes in mind, let’s explore the solutions.
How to Remove the Gray Background in Word
1. Exiting Reading Layout View
To switch from Reading Layout View to Print Layout View:
- Visit the View Tab: Go to the ‘View’ tab on the Word Ribbon.
- Opt for Print Layout View: Choose ‘Print Layout’ from the ‘Views’ section.
2. Adjusting Print Layout Options
To disable ‘Text Boundaries’ or ‘Page Margins, follow these steps:
- Access Word Options: Click on ‘File’ and select ‘Options’.
- Go to Advanced Settings: Navigate to ‘Advanced’ within ‘Word Options’.
- Find Show Document Content: Scroll to the ‘Show Document Content’ section.
- Uncheck Text Boundaries and Page Margins: If enabled, uncheck ‘Show Text Boundaries’ or ‘Show Page Margins’.
- Save Changes: Save and exit the ‘Word Options’ window.
3. Modifying Page Color Settings
To change the page color from gray:
- Go to the Design Tab: Click on the ‘Design’ tab in the Word Ribbon.
- Select Page Color: Click ‘Page Color’ in the ‘Page Background’ section.
- Choose White: Pick ‘White’ as the page color from the dropdown.
- Save Document: Save your document to apply the changes (Ctrl + S).
By following these instructions, you can remove the gray background in Word and restore the desired appearance of your document.
Conclusion
Mastering Microsoft Word’s features can be a challenge, but with the right steps, you can address formatting issues like a gray background. This guide offers insights into the causes of a gray background and ways to solve it. For further assistance, refer to articles on removing background color from text in Microsoft Word and eliminating gray background in Google Docs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did My Word Document Background Turn Gray?
The background may turn gray due to Reading Layout View, enabled ‘Text Boundaries’ or ‘Page Margins’, or a gray ‘Page Color’ setting.
How to Eliminate the Gray Background in Reading Layout View?
To switch from Reading Layout View, go to the ‘View’ tab and select ‘Print Layout’.
How to Disable ‘Text Boundaries’ or ‘Page Margins’?
Disable these options through ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Advanced’ > ‘Show Document Content’ and uncheck ‘Show Text Boundaries’ or ‘Show Page Margins’.
How to Change the Page Color in Word?
Change the page color by accessing the ‘Design’ tab, clicking ‘Page Color’, and selecting your desired color.
Does Changing the Page Color in Word Affect the Printed Document?
Yes, changing the page color in Word will also alter the background color in the printed document, although some printers may not replicate the background color for ink saving purposes. Verify your printer settings before printing a colored document.
