Printing Problems

Fix Word Background Graphics Missing When Printing or Exporting PDF

Emma Brown Oct 14, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user needs to print and export a Word resume template, but the background graphics and colors are not appearing in the output or print preview.

Product: Microsoft Word 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Printing a resume template or exporting the document to a PDF file.
Observed behavior: Background graphics are visible in the document editor but disappear in Print Preview, final printed documents, and exported PDF files, leaving a blank white background.

Before you start

Ensure your printer drivers are fully up to date and that you have saved a backup copy of your resume template before modifying document settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Print Background Colors and Images in Word Settings

Word disables the printing of background graphics by default to save ink. Enabling this feature in the display options is the most common fix.

By default, Microsoft Word optimizes printing for standard text documents. This means it often ignores page background colors and certain inserted drawings to prevent excessive ink usage. You must manually override this setting for templates that rely on background graphics.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Word interface, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Display Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on the 'Display' tab located in the left-hand sidebar.

Enable Background Printing

Scroll down to the 'Printing options' section. Check the boxes next to 'Print background colors and images' and 'Print drawings created in Word'.

Apply and Verify

Click 'OK' to save your changes. Press Ctrl + P to open the Print Preview and verify that the background graphics are now visible.

Enable Print Background Colors and Images in Word Settings

Settings Saved: Once enabled, these settings apply globally to your Word application, meaning future templates will also print with their backgrounds intact.

Solution 2

Check Graphic Positioning and Header Placement

If display settings are correct but graphics still fail to print, the images may be improperly positioned or hidden behind template layers.

Solution 3

Use Word's Built-in PDF Export Feature

Third-party 'Print to PDF' virtual printers often strip out background layers. Using Word's native export tool preserves document fidelity.

Print and Export Flawlessly

Easily Manage Document Backgrounds with WPS Office

WPS Office offers intuitive settings to ensure your resume templates and background graphics are printed or exported to PDF perfectly, with full support for Microsoft Word formats.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your resume template.
2. Access Print Settings: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left, go to 'Options', and select the 'Print' tab.
3. Enable Backgrounds: Check the box for 'Print background colors and images' and click 'OK'.
4. Export to PDF: Click 'Menu' > 'Export to PDF' to seamlessly save your file with all background graphics intact.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) templates and graphic layers.Built-in, high-quality PDF converter that retains all background colors and images without third-party plugins.Free, lightweight, and features a familiar interface for a seamless transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word hide background colors by default when printing?

Word disables printing background colors and images by default to help users save printer ink and ensure text readability, as most everyday document printing does not require full-page color backgrounds.

Is there a difference between 'Save as PDF' and 'Print to PDF' for backgrounds?

Yes. 'Save as PDF' or using the 'Export' function uses the application's native rendering engine, which retains the document's complex layering and backgrounds. 'Print to PDF' relies on virtual printer drivers that may flatten layers or strip out background elements based on print settings.

How can I add a background graphic that always prints?

Instead of setting a page color or floating image, you can insert the graphic as a watermark. Go to the 'Design' tab, select 'Watermark', and choose 'Custom Watermark'. Watermarks are generally treated as printable elements by default.

Document & File Issues