Changing Background Colors in Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign empowers you to create visually striking layouts, and background color plays a crucial role in establishing the overall aesthetic and tone of your document. This comprehensive guide will delve into various methods for changing the background color in InDesign, explore customization options, and equip you with valuable tips for achieving impactful designs.

Understanding the Options: Two Paths to Background Color

InDesign offers two primary approaches to altering the background color of your document:

1. Using a Colored Background Object: This method involves creating a shape that fills the entire page area and applying your desired background color to it. This colored object functions like a visual layer behind your document content.
2. Modifying the Paper Color (Non-Printing): InDesign allows you to define a “paper color” that appears as a background preview within the application. However, this color won’t be printed with your document. It’s primarily a visual aid for designers to simulate how the layout might look on colored paper.

Choosing the Right Approach:

• Printable Background: If you intend to have a colored background printed as part of your final output (e.g., brochures printed on colored cardstock), then using a colored background object is the recommended approach.
• Visual Reference: If you’re simply using a background color as a visual reference while designing for white paper output, then modifying the paper color can be a quicker and easier option.

Method 1: Creating a Colored Background Object (For Printing)

Here’s how to create a colored background object for printing:

1. The Rectangle Tool (M): Select the Rectangle tool from the toolbar.
2. Create a Full-Page Shape: Click and drag on your document page to create a rectangle that spans the entire width and height of the page. Ensure the rectangle extends slightly beyond the bleed area (if applicable) to prevent unintended white slivers at the edges during printing.

Pro Tip: Hold down the Shift key while dragging to maintain a perfect square or rectangle shape.

1. Fill Color: Right-click on the newly created rectangle and select “Fill” from the context menu. This opens the Fill panel where you can choose a solid color from the swatches library or define a custom color using the color pickers.
2. Sending the Object Back: Once you’ve chosen your desired background color, right-click on the colored rectangle and select “Arrange” > “Send to Back” (Shift + Command/Ctrl + [) This ensures the colored object sits behind all other elements on your page.
3. Adjusting Opacity (Optional): While not necessary for printing, you can adjust the opacity of the colored rectangle using the “Opacity” slider in the Transparency panel (Window > Transparency) if you want a more subtle background effect.

Method 2: Modifying Paper Color (Non-Printing)

Here’s how to adjust the paper color for a visual reference:

1. Navigate to the Swatches Panel: Open the Swatches panel (Window > Color > Swatches) or use the keyboard shortcut “F5.”
2. Locate the “Paper” Swatch: Within the Swatches panel, you’ll find a swatch named “Paper” (usually with parentheses around it). This swatch represents the default paper color displayed in your workspace.
3. Double-Click the “Paper” Swatch: Double-clicking the “Paper” swatch opens the “Swatch Options” dialog box.
4. Choose a New Color: Within the “Swatch Options,” you can select a new color from the color pickers or choose a color from the existing swatches library.
5. Preview Mode (Optional): Checking the “Preview” checkbox allows you to see how your document elements appear against the newly chosen paper color within the InDesign workspace. Remember, this color won’t be printed in the final output.

Customizing Your Background Color

InDesign provides options for further refining your background color:

• Gradients: Instead of a solid color, you can utilize gradients for a more dynamic background effect. Explore the Gradient panel (Window > Gradients) to create and apply multi-color gradients.
• Transparency: As mentioned earlier, adjusting the opacity of the colored background object allows for a more subtle or transparent color effect.
• Image Overlays: Consider using an image as a background element. This can add texture, patterns, or photographic elements to your design. Place the image on your page and adjust its size, position, and opacity to achieve the desired visual impact.

Remember: Experimentation is key! Don’t be afraid to explore different color options, gradients, and image overlays to find the perfect background that complements your overall design concept.