To change border colour in Google Docs, it helps to know which border you have. For a border around a paragraph, select the text and go to Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading, choose a Border color and click Apply. For a table, click in it and use the Border color button in the toolbar or Format > Table > Table properties. For an image, select it and use the toolbar’s border colour option. Google Docs has no built-in page border, so a page “border” is usually a one-cell table or a paragraph border.
Quick Answer
Paragraph: Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading > Border color > Apply. Table: select cells > Border color in the toolbar.
Steps for a Paragraph Border
- Select the paragraph or paragraphs with the border.
- Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading.
- Choose the border position (all sides, top, bottom and so on).
- Pick a Border color, and adjust the width and dash if you like.
- Click Apply.
Where Each Border Colour Lives
| Border type | How to change the colour |
|---|---|
| Paragraph border | Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading |
| Table or cell borders | Select cells > Border color in the toolbar, or Table properties |
| “Page border” made from a 1 x 1 table | Click in the table > Border color |
| Image border | Select the image > Border color in the toolbar |
| Shape in a drawing | Edit the drawing > Border color |
Troubleshooting
- Border colour button missing: The toolbar may be collapsed. Click the three dots at the right end of the toolbar to show hidden buttons.
- Only some cell edges change: Select all the cells first, then use the border-position menu to choose all borders.
- Tables: See changing table border colour or removing a table border.
- Want no border at all: See removing a border in Google Docs.
Related: adjust column width in Google Docs.
Related: change the background color on Google Sites.
Related: Remove a horizontal line in Google Docs.
Related: Change the page color of a Google Doc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a page border in Google Docs?
Not directly. Insert a 1 x 1 table and type inside it, or use a paragraph border around your content.
Can I use a custom colour?
Yes. In the colour menu, click the plus sign under Custom to enter a hex code.
Does the border colour survive exporting to Word or PDF?
Usually yes, though line styles can look slightly different in Word.
Summary
- Identify the border type.
- Use Borders and shading for paragraphs.
- Use Border color for tables and images.
- Use a one-cell table for a page border.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.