Changing the background color in Adobe Illustrator can significantly enhance the overall appearance and impact of your design. Whether you’re working on a logo, illustration, or any other creative project, knowing how to manipulate the background color effectively is a valuable skill. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process to change the background color in Illustrator, providing you with the necessary tools and techniques to achieve stunning results.
While creating banners, cards, or any design in Illustrator, we might need a different background color. The background color may also play an important role in the successful completion of a design. Illustrator provides a clear white background every time.
You can also watch the detailed video tutorial, to learn how to change background color in Adobe Illustrator.
But every design doesn’t demand a white background, we might need to use purple, red, or even black background color.
If you are new or you don’t have an idea to change the background color in Adobe Illustrator, then you are in the right place. This tutorial is all about changing the background color in Adobe Illustrator.
Let’s Start.
Table of Contents
How to Change Background Color in Adobe Illustrator 2023
To change the background or artboard color in Illustrator, go to File > Document Setup. Document Setup panel will appear. Check the box “Simulate Colored Paper” then click on the color, and select any color. Click OK from the Color panel and then click OK from the Document Setup. The selected color will be applied to the background.
We will walk you through changing the background color of an Illustrator document in this tutorial in detail. The steps are easy to follow. All you need is to follow the right step every single time to make it work.
Creating New Document
To start a new document in Adobe Illustrator, choose the new option from the File menu.

You can set the document properties in the window that appears. Click OK.

Document Setup
Let’s set up the document color. To do the task, click on the File menu and select the Document Setup option.

As you can see, in the window that is shown below, check the simulated colored paper box in the transparency and Overprint Options section.

From the Document Setup window, open the color palette. Press OK after selecting the background color.


Close the document setup window by pressing the ok button again.

Background Color Changed
We have managed to successfully change the background color.

You have learned to change the background color in Adobe Illustrator.
Conclusion
Mastering Background Color Manipulation in Illustrator By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can confidently change the background color in Adobe Illustrator and elevate your design to new heights. Remember to consider the overall aesthetic and mood you want to convey, as well as the specific color libraries and blending options available to you. With practice and experimentation, you’ll become proficient in selecting and modifying background colors, ensuring your designs stand out from the crowd.
In this guide, we’ve covered the essential steps, techniques, and considerations for changing background colors in Adobe Illustrator. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the visual impact of your designs and create stunning compositions that captivate your audience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, mastering background color manipulation will undoubtedly elevate your creative prowess.
You can also learn:
Have More Questions?
If you have any questions related to changing the background in Illustrator, ask in the comment section below. We have also answered some most frequently asked questions below.
Illustrator background turned white
If the background is turned white in Illustrator, go to View and select Preview. The document will get out of Outline mode and the color will appear.
Can I change the background color of an existing design in Illustrator?
Yes, you can change the background color of an existing design in Illustrator. Simply select the background element, access the Fill and Stroke panel, and modify the fill color according to your preference.
How do I select a specific color for the background in Illustrator?
In Illustrator, you can select a specific color for the background by accessing the Fill and Stroke panel and clicking on the color swatch. This will open the color picker, where you can choose a color from the available options or input a specific color value.
Can I use gradient backgrounds in Illustrator?
Absolutely! Illustrator provides powerful gradient tools that allow you to create stunning gradient backgrounds. Within the Fill and Stroke panel, select the gradient fill option and customize the angle, colors, and opacity to achieve the desired effect.
Will changing the background color affect the other elements in my design?
Changing the background color will only affect the selected background element. Other elements in your design, such as text or shapes, will remain unchanged unless you modify their fill or stroke properties separately.
You can also learn:
How can I ensure color integrity when exporting my design?
To maintain color integrity when exporting your design from Illustrator, make sure to choose the appropriate color profile and file format for your intended use. For print, consider using CMYK color mode and exporting it as a high-resolution file. For the web, RGB color mode and formats like PNG or JPEG are commonly used.
Can I revert back to the original background color after making changes?
Yes, if you want to revert back to the original background color, simply access the Fill and Stroke panel, select the background element, and change the fill color back to its original value or use the “Undo” function in Illustrator.
How can I create a transparent background in Illustrator?
To create a transparent background in Illustrator, make sure the background element is selected, access the Fill and Stroke panel, and set the fill opacity to 0%. This will make the background transparent, allowing any underlying elements or background colors to show through.
You can also learn: How to Export from Illustrator with Transparent Background

Are there any keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process of changing background colors in Illustrator?
Yes, Illustrator offers various keyboard shortcuts to streamline your workflow. For example, you can press “D” to reset the fill and stroke colors to their default values or use the “X” key to toggle between the fill and stroke properties.
Can I apply different background colors to different artboards in Illustrator?
Yes, you can apply different background colors to different artboards in Illustrator. Each artboard can have its own background element with a unique fill color, allowing you to create diverse compositions within a single Illustrator file.
How can I match the background color to a specific brand or Pantone color in Illustrator?
To match the background color to a specific brand or Pantone color, you can use the color picker within the Fill and Stroke panel. If you know the Pantone color value, you can input it directly, or you can sample a color from an existing design element to ensure consistency throughout your project.
You can also learn: How to Find Pantone Color in Illustrator

Remember, mastering the skill of changing background colors in Illustrator takes practice and experimentation. Feel free to explore the various options and techniques available, and don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity to achieve the desired visual impact in your designs.
All Done! Enjoy.
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