To change the colour of a shape in Google Slides, click the shape, then click the Fill color button (the paint bucket) on the toolbar and choose a colour. Use the Gradient tab for a blend, Custom to enter an exact hex code, or Transparent to remove the fill. The outline is changed separately with Border color.
Quick Answer
Select the shape > Fill color (paint bucket) > pick a colour. Border color changes the outline.
Steps to Change Shape Colour
- Open the presentation at slides.google.com and click the shape.
- Click Fill color on the toolbar.
- Choose a colour from the palette, or click + under Custom to enter a hex code.
- To change the outline, click Border color; adjust thickness with Border weight.
More Options
| Goal | How |
|---|---|
| Exact brand colour | Fill color > Custom > enter hex code |
| Gradient | Fill color > Gradient tab |
| See-through fill | Fill color > Custom > lower transparency slider, or Transparent |
| Same colour on many shapes | Shift + click the shapes, then change fill once |
| Copy a shape’s style | Paint format (paint roller), then click another shape |
Troubleshooting
- Fill color is greyed out: You selected a line or an image. Lines use Line color; images use Format options.
- Shape is on the layout: Edit it in Slide > Edit theme.
- On iPad: Select the shape, tap the paint icon and choose Fill. For sketches, see drawing on Google Slides on iPad.
- Text borders: See bordering text in Google Slides. For Sheets, see inserting shapes in Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an image as a shape fill?
Not directly. Use Mask image on a picture to crop it to a shape instead.
How do I remove the border?
Border color > Transparent.
Can I save custom colours?
Custom colours appear in the Custom row for that presentation.
Summary
- Click the shape.
- Use Fill color to choose a colour, gradient or custom hex.
- Use Border color and weight for the outline.
- Use Paint format to copy the style.
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.
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