Formatting Issues

How to Remove Ecru Page Color from the First Page in Word

Olivia Miller Oct 7, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to remove a stubborn ecru (light colored) background from the first page of their document after standard page color settings have failed.

How to Remove Ecru Page Color from the First Page in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Fixing a persistent background color that appears only on the first page of a document.
Observed behavior: The first page remains ecru even though the global Page Color setting is configured to 'No Color'.

Before you start

Ensure your document is in Print Layout view so you can accurately see and select all headers, footers, and background elements positioned behind your text.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove Background Images or Shapes in the First-Page Header

Use this method if your document has a 'Different First Page' header containing a full-page colored shape or image acting as a background.

In Word, elements like shapes, pictures, or text boxes can be anchored in the header and stretched to cover the entire page. If the first page is the only one with the ecru color, it is highly likely that a colored object is hidden within the first-page header.

Access the Header

Double-click the empty space at the very top margin of your first page to open the Header & Footer editing mode.

Select the Background Object

Click anywhere on the ecru-colored area of the page. You should see sizing handles (small circles) appear around the edges of the page, indicating a shape or image has been selected.

Delete the Object

Press the 'Delete' or 'Backspace' key on your keyboard to remove the colored object.

Close the Header

Click the 'Close Header and Footer' button on the ribbon, or double-click anywhere in the main document body to return to normal editing.

Remove Background Images or Shapes in the First-Page Header

Selection Tip: If you cannot click the shape, go to the Home tab, click 'Select' in the Editing group, and choose 'Select Objects'. This tool allows you to easily click elements positioned behind text.

Solution 2

Change Shape Fill for Text Boxes or Shapes

Apply this solution if the ecru color is caused by a large text box or shape in the main document body rather than the header.

Solution 3

Verify Global Page Color Settings

Double-check your global design settings to ensure no standard page colors are being applied by mistake.

Easily Remove Background Colors with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides a highly intuitive interface for managing page backgrounds, headers, and floating objects. If you're struggling to locate hidden formatting elements, WPS Office makes it simple to select, edit, or remove them effortlessly.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the stubborn ecru background.
2. Access the Header: Double-click the top margin of the first page to enter Header and Footer editing mode.
3. Select and Delete: Click on the ecru-colored background shape to select it, then press the Delete key.
4. Verify Page Layout: Go to the Page Layout tab, click on Page Color, and verify it is set to 'No Color'.
5. Save Changes: Click Save to preserve your clean, white document background in .docx format.

Easily identify and delete full-page background shapes or hidden text boxes.Manage header and footer designs with a clean, user-friendly interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats, ensuring zero layout shifts.Free and lightweight office suite with powerful formatting tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Word document background color not printing?

By default, Word does not print background colors or images to save ink. To change this, go to File > Options > Display, and check the box for 'Print background colors and images' under Printing options.

How do I remove a watermark that is only showing on the first page?

A watermark is typically anchored in the header. Double-click the header on the first page, click on the watermark text or image to select it, and press the Delete key. This often happens when the 'Different First Page' setting is enabled.

How can I remove a background color I copied and pasted from a website?

If the color is behind specific text rather than the whole page, it might be text shading. Select the affected text, go to the Home tab, click the arrow next to the Shading tool (the paint bucket icon), and select 'No Color'. Alternatively, you can use the 'Clear All Formatting' button.

Document & File Issues