Formatting Issues

How to Remove a Colored Background or Rectangle from One Word Section

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a colored background, graphics, and outdated disclaimers from the final section of a Word document without altering the formatting of preceding sections.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Cleaning up unwanted graphical elements and disclaimers restricted to a specific document section.
Observed behavior: Deleting the section break causes the previous section to inherit the unwanted colored background, and toggling 'Link to Previous' alters the formatting of prior sections.

Before you start

Identify exactly which pages belong to the affected section by enabling formatting marks (Ctrl+Shift+8) to reveal where the section breaks are located.

Solution 1Recommended

Delete the Background Shape via Header/Footer View

Use the Selection Pane within the Header/Footer view to isolate and delete background shapes that are anchored to a specific section.

In many cases, a page background that only appears in one specific section is not an actual 'Page Color' setting, but rather a large rectangle shape anchored inside the header of that section. Accessing the header allows you to select and delete this object.

Activate Header/Footer View

Navigate to the page containing the unwanted colored background and double-click in the empty space at the very top margin to open the Header & Footer tools.

Open the Selection Pane

With the header active, go to the 'Home' tab on the ribbon, click the 'Select' dropdown (usually located at the far right), and choose 'Selection Pane'.

Locate and Delete the Rectangle

In the Selection Pane, look for an object named 'Rectangle' or a similarly named graphical shape. Click its name in the pane to highlight it on the page, then press the 'Delete' key on your keyboard.

Avoid Link to Previous: Do not simply toggle 'Link to Previous' or delete the section break itself to fix this, as doing so can cause the preceding sections to accidentally inherit the unwanted background formatting.

Easily edit documents

Seamlessly Manage Section Formatting with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides an intuitive interface for managing complex document elements like headers, footers, and background shapes across different sections, making document cleanup effortless.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the unwanted section background.
2. Access the Header: Double-click the header area of the specific page you want to edit.
3. Select and Remove: Click directly on the colored background to select the shape, then press the Delete key to remove it without affecting other sections.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .doc).Intuitive Header and Footer navigation to easily isolate and edit specific sections.Advanced object selection tools to quickly find and remove hidden shapes or backgrounds.Free, lightweight, and user-friendly interface.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does deleting a section break change the previous page's formatting?

In word processors, the formatting instructions (like headers, footers, and margins) for a particular section are stored in the section break at the end of it. Deleting that break merges the text into the following section, causing it to adopt the latter's formatting.

How do I remove a page color that applies to the entire document?

If the color is not a shape anchored in the header, it might be a document-wide Page Color. Go to the Design or Page Layout tab, click 'Page Color', and select 'No Color'.

What does 'Link to Previous' do in headers and footers?

'Link to Previous' connects the current section's header or footer to the preceding section. If active, changes made in one section will automatically apply to the linked section, which is why turning it on can sometimes mess up prior formatting.

How can I view all hidden objects or shapes on a page?

You can open the Selection Pane by navigating to Home > Select > Selection Pane. This displays a list of all objects, shapes, and images on the current page, allowing you to select, hide, or delete them easily even if they are layered behind text.

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