Printing Problems

How to Print Background Colors and Images in Word for Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to print a document along with its background colors and images, but is unable to find the correct settings menu in Word for Mac version 16.94.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Attempting to print a stylized document with page background colors and images enabled on a Mac device.
Observed behavior: By default, background colors and images do not print, and the standard Windows setting path (File > Options > Display) does not exist in the Mac version.

Before you start

Ensure your Mac is connected to a printer with sufficient color ink or toner, and verify that your document actually has a background color applied via the Design tab.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Background Printing in Word Preferences

Adjust the print preferences specific to Word for Mac to ensure background colors and drawing objects are included in the print job.

Since the Mac interface differs from Windows, you must access the specific Word Preferences menu on macOS to modify how backgrounds are handled during printing.

Open Word Preferences

Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Preferences' from the dropdown list.

Access Print Settings

In the Word Preferences window, locate the 'Output and Sharing' section and click on the 'Print' icon.

Enable Background Colors and Images

Under the Print options, check the boxes next to 'Drawing objects' and 'Print background colors and images'.

Print the Document

Close the Preferences window and press Command + P to print your document. The background colors should now appear on your printed page.

Ink Consumption: Printing full-page backgrounds consumes a significant amount of ink. Consider using this setting only for final copies or high-quality presentations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my background color printing even after enabling the setting in Word?

Your system printer settings might be overriding Word's preferences. Press Command + P to open the system print dialog and ensure that 'Black and White' or 'Draft Mode' is unchecked in your specific printer's properties.

How do I add a background color to my Word document on Mac?

Go to the 'Design' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Page Color' on the far right, and select the desired color from the palette to apply it to your document background.

Will enabling background printing affect all future Word documents?

Yes, once you check 'Print background colors and images' in Word Preferences, it remains enabled for all documents printed from Word on that Mac until you manually uncheck the option.

Document & File Issues