October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
background color

How to Change the Background Color on a Canva Document

Select the Canva page background, choose Background color, and pick a preset, gradient, or custom color. Here’s how to do it on desktop and mobile—and what to do when the control is missing.

By ThatPainter Team 5 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

To change the background color of a Canva design, select the empty page area, choose Background color in the floating toolbar, and pick a preset, gradient, or custom color. This changes the selected page without moving the text, images, or other foreground elements.

These instructions apply most directly to page-based Canva designs such as presentations, posters, worksheets, flyers, and social posts. Canva Docs are text-focused documents and may offer different page-formatting controls.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Change the background color in Canva on desktop

  1. Open your design in Canva.
  2. Click an empty area of the page. If an object is selected, press Esc first.
  3. Choose Background color from the floating toolbar.
  4. Select a preset solid color or gradient.
  5. For another color, choose Add a colour and use the color panel or picker.

Canva’s official instructions are available in its background-help guide. Depending on your editor version, the color panel may also let you enter a hexadecimal value. If that field is not visible, use the picker or an available document, palette, or Brand Kit color instead.

#1 Best Overall
Stylus Pens for Touch Screens, 2 in 1 High Precision Universal Stylus Pen for iPad Compatible with Apple, iPhone, iPad, Android, Microsoft Tablets, Phones, 3 Pack - Blue, Pink, Purple
  • 【PREPARE YOUR IPAD BEFORE USE】Before using our iPad pen, ensure the "Only Draw with Apple Pencil" feature is off in Settings > Apple Pencil. Disabling this option is crucial for proper stylus functionality.
  • 【UNIVERSAL STYLUS】Our stylus pens for touch screens are widely compatible with all touch screens including smartphones, Android tablets, touch screen laptops/PCs. They also work with Apple iPads, iPhones, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, iPad Air, Surface, Chromebooks and other capacitive touch screen devices.
  • 【2-in-1 DESIGN】The stylus pen comes with different tips on both ends. One end is the disc tip, which is more accurate and sensitive, suitable for taking notes and drawing. The other end is a durable fibre tip for browsing or scrolling web pages, effectively protecting the screen from fingerprints or smudges.
  • 【HIDDEN SPARE TIP】This 3 pack of stylus pens includes 3 additional disc tips and 3 extra fibre tips. Each disc tip is placed inside the stylus body. The spare tip can be taken out by simply rotating the fibre tip end. Convenient for always having a spare pen tip ready to go.
  • 【HIGH PRECISION & SENSITIVITY】The stylus pen features a flexible disc tip that fits flexibly on the screen without leaving broken lines. Additionally, the disc tip is transparent, allowing you to get a clearer view when writing or drawing.

The result should affect the page itself: foreground text, images, shapes, and illustrations should remain in place. A basic page background color does not generally require Canva Pro; Canva’s current pricing page lists a Free plan, although features and availability can change by region and account.

Change the background color in the Canva mobile app

  1. Open the design in the Canva app.
  2. Tap an empty part of the page or its edge.
  3. Find Background color in the editing toolbar.
  4. Choose a preset, gradient, or custom color.

On a small screen, the control may be inside an expanded toolbar or under More. Labels and placement can vary by app version, screen size, and design type. If tapping the page selects an image or shape instead, tap a blank corner or press the back/deselect control and try again.

Apply the same background to multiple pages

The background-color change normally applies to the page currently selected, not automatically to every page in the design. For a multi-page presentation or document, you can:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Change each page individually using the same color.
  • Duplicate a correctly colored page when creating additional pages.
  • Reuse the same document color, palette color, or Brand Kit color for consistency.

Do not assume that every Canva editor version has a universal Apply to all pages button. If your version provides one, follow the prompt; otherwise, page-by-page editing or duplication is the dependable approach.

Rank #2
Sale
Stylus Pen for Android Tablet/Phones, Tablet Pencil for iOS/Android,Black
  • [Wide Compatibility]-This stylus pen for touchscreen is for capacitive screen electronic product and is specially designed for Android device on the market.The iphone stylus pen is suit with suit with XiaoMi/Huawei/Vivo/Lenovo/Pixel/iPhone 6-15 ,Amazon Fire Series tablet and more other android devices. Some compatible device models- Galaxy Tab A9/A9+/S9/S23 FE/S24/S25/Z Fold5/Z Fold 6/A13 /A25/ (Note: This lenovo pen is not compatible with Microsoft devices,Apple iPad,Kindle devices,Windows,Laptop,S7+, tab s4,S10 and One note app. Please check your device model before placing an order.
  • 【Smart Touch Switch & Power Save】-The touch screen pen stylus is easy to use: just double-tap the top of the android tablet capacitive stylus pen . There's no need for drivers or bluetooth settings. This iphone pen uses the USB-C charging port,just 35 minutes of charging will give you 8-10 hours of operation.Our digital pen has smart energy-saving feature, automatically turn to "sleep mode" after 5 minutes of inactivity and avoid unnecessary battery consumption.
  • 【High Precise and Sensitive】-The pom tip of the stylist pen is wear-resistant,designed for professionals who need high precision and accuracy,is a great feature for anyone who uses a stylus pen android for designing work or drawing. They are very smooth and high responseon the screen, without lag or jumping.Luntak android stylus pen also a great gift for family and friends who love to create.
  • 【Magnetic Absorption】-The magnetic feature is a great convenience for users who want to keep their samsung pen close at hand and prevent it from getting lost,more portable and more easier to organize.(Note: The magnetic function requires a built-in magnet on your tablet; otherwise, it cannot be attached. The magnetic surfaces of other tablets may not be a perfect fit.)
  • 【What You Get】-Our tablet pens for touch screen set includes:1* stylist pens,3* Replaceable POM Tips,1* Type-C charging cable,1* User Manual.We support 1-year product warranty and 1-month free return and exchange policy for our pen with stylus tip. If you encounter any issues, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please note the apple pens does not support palm rejection, so avoid touching the screen with your hands.Does not support pressure sensitivity.

Change only the color behind text

If you want the entire page recolored, select the page background. For a smaller area behind text, use one of these options:

  • Highlight selected text: Select the text and use the text toolbar’s Highlighter control. Canva documents this text-formatting option in its text-editing help.
  • Text-box background: Select the text box and check its available background or effects controls.
  • Colored panel: Add a rectangle, change its color, resize it behind the text, then use the layer or position controls to send it backward.

A shape is more flexible than a page background, but it can be accidentally moved, resized, or placed over the text. Use the page background control when the color should cover the whole canvas.

Use an image, video, or gradient as the background

Canva also supports background treatments beyond a solid color, including gradients, images, videos, and some AI-generated backgrounds. To use an image, add or upload it, open its options, and choose Set image as background. Double-click the background image to reposition or resize it. Canva’s background guide describes these options and the related replacement controls.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For readable documents, worksheets, and printed designs, a solid color is usually easier to control. An image or strong gradient can compete with text, so check contrast at normal viewing size.

Rank #3
3PCS Tablets Stylus Pen for All Touchscreen Devices with Precision Disc Tip
  • Wide Compatibility for Multiple Devices: Works seamlessly with Samsung, iOS, Android, Chromebook, Smartphone, and other touchscreen devices. No drivers are needed- simply open and play, ensuring compatibility with a variety of tablets and smartphones. No Charging Required, Ready Anytime.
  • High-Precision Touch for Smooth Writing & Drawing: Featuring advanced capacitive technology, this stylus pen offers high sensitivity and precision, delivering a smooth, real-pen experience perfect for writing, sketching, note-taking, and more.
  • Ergonomic Design for Comfortable Grip: Crafted with a lightweight and durable body, the stylus is designed for long periods of comfortable use. Whether you’re creating, studying, or performing everyday tasks, it ensures a pleasant grip.
  • Scratch-Resistant & Durable, Protects Your Screen: Equipped with a soft, high-quality Disc tip that ensures smooth touch without scratching the screen, keeping your device’s display in pristine condition while providing a seamless user experience.
  • A great gift: Get 3 different colors of styluses at an unbeatable price instead of a high-priced pencil. You can share these stylus pens with your friends or family.

Change the background inside a photo

Changing the page behind a photo is different from changing the background area inside the photo itself.

To adjust the background within an imported image, place the image on a blank canvas, select Edit Image, open Adjust, and under Select area choose Background. You can then adjust controls such as temperature, tint, brightness, and vibrance. See Canva’s guide to changing an image’s background color.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If “Background color” is missing

The most common reason is that Canva has selected an element rather than the page. Try this recovery sequence:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Press Esc to leave text editing and deselect the current object.
  2. Click or tap a blank edge or corner of the page.
  3. If another element covers the page, temporarily move or hide it.
  4. Use Position, Layers, or the right-click menu where available to manage the obstructing layer.
  5. Check whether you are editing a Canva Doc, whiteboard, or another design type with different controls.
  6. On mobile, expand the toolbar or open More.

Canva notes that a layered element can prevent the page background from being selected. If the wrong object changed color, use Undo immediately—Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+Z on Mac—then select the page itself.

Rank #4
Sale
Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Pen Tablet for Mac, Windows and Chromebook (Drawing/E-Learning/Remote-Working)
  • Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
  • Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
  • Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
  • Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse

When a color covers only part of the page

You probably added or recolored a rectangle rather than changing the page background. Delete the rectangle and use Background color, or resize it to the page and place it behind the other elements if you actually need a separate colored panel.

If the new page color is not visible, check whether a full-page image or shape is covering it, whether an object has opacity or blending effects, or whether the editor workspace is a similar color. A page background remains behind those layers.

Check the design before downloading

  • Use dark backgrounds cautiously: they can consume more ink or toner when printed.
  • Check contrast, especially for small text, thin fonts, and light text on saturated colors.
  • Remember that some printers cannot print to the very edge of the paper.
  • Preview the downloaded file rather than assuming the editor view and export will look identical.
  • Do not confuse a white background with transparency. If you need a transparent export, changing the page color to white will not create transparency.

If a background disappears after export, check whether transparency was enabled, whether only selected pages were exported, and whether the chosen format supports the background treatment.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Do you need Canva Pro?

Not usually for this task. Start with Canva Free if all you need is a solid or gradient page background. Canva Pro may be worthwhile for recurring work that also needs premium templates or media, Brand Kit features, background removal, resizing, or additional storage—not simply for recoloring a page. Prices vary by country, tax, billing cycle, account, and promotion, so check Canva’s live pricing page before subscribing.

Canva Business is aimed more at collaboration, approvals, and shared brand workflows. Canva states that its Teams plan is no longer available for new sign-ups or upgrades, while existing subscribers may remain on their current plan. Adobe Express is a legitimate alternative for people already working in an Adobe-centered workflow, but switching tools is unnecessary for a simple Canva background change.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.