How to Change Word Screen Color for One User Without Affecting PDFs
Question details
The user wants a customized background color (such as green) while reading documents on their screen, but does not want this color saved into the file, visible to other users, or included in printed copies and PDF exports.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Adjusting the document reading background color locally without modifying the actual file layout or sharing properties.
- Observed behavior
- Applying a page color via the Design tab modifies the document structure, which embeds the color into the file for other users and includes it in PDF outputs by default.
Before making changes, check your current Windows version, as modern Windows accessibility settings differ significantly from the appearance options found in older Windows Control Panels.
Disable Background Colors in Word Print Options
You can set a page color in the document but configure your local Word installation to ignore it when printing or exporting to PDF.
This method utilizes Microsoft Word's local display settings. It ensures that any background color you apply for reading comfort does not end up in the final physical printout or the exported PDF document.
Go to the 'Design' tab on the top ribbon and click 'Page Color' to choose your desired background color.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Display' in the left-hand navigation pane.
Scroll down to the 'Printing options' section and uncheck the box labeled 'Print background colors and images'.
Click 'OK'. Your document will now export to PDF and print with a standard white background, even though it appears colored on your screen.
Adjust Windows Accessibility Settings
To ensure the document itself is completely untouched, change your system-wide screen colors using Windows settings instead of Word.
Use Eye Protection Mode in WPS Office
WPS Office features a dedicated Eye Protection Mode that changes your document's background to a soothing green for screen reading only. It does not modify the underlying document file, ensuring perfect compatibility with Microsoft Word formats and keeping your PDF exports completely clean.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open your existing Word document.
- 2. Locate the View tab: Click on the 'View' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Activate Eye Protection: Click the 'Eye Protection Mode' icon. The background will instantly turn a soft green for your screen only, leaving the actual file and future PDF exports entirely unaffected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word page color show up in PDFs?
By default, if the 'Print background colors and images' setting is enabled in your Word Display Options, any page color applied via the Design tab will be included when exporting, saving, or printing the document as a PDF.
Can I change the Normal template to always have a green background?
Yes, you can open the Normal.dotm template, go to Design > Page Color, select green, and save it. However, this color will be embedded in all new blank documents and will be visible to anyone you share the files with unless they modify their local settings.
How do I change window colors in older Windows versions?
In older operating systems like Windows 7, you could change specific application window background colors by navigating to Control Panel > Display > Appearance > Advanced. This granular per-window color control has been removed in modern versions like Windows 10 and 11, which rely on global accessibility contrast themes instead.
Does Eye Protection Mode in WPS Office affect document printing?
No, the Eye Protection Mode in WPS Office only changes the on-screen display locally to reduce eye strain. It does not alter the document's actual background, meaning all your printouts and PDF exports will still output with a standard white background.
