Removing background color from copied text in Microsoft Word can be a lifesaver, especially if you want your document to look clean and professional. It’s a straightforward process involving the highlighting tool and some tweaking in the ‘Design’ tab. Let’s get you through the steps in a breeze.
How to Remove Background Color in Word After Copied Text
So, you copied some text into Word, and it dragged along a pesky background color? Annoying, right? Here’s how to fix it:
Step 1: Highlight the Text
First things first, you need to select the problematic text. Click and drag your mouse over the text to highlight it.
Highlighting the text lets Word know which part you’re looking to edit. Make sure you select all the text that has the unwanted background color.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Design’ Tab
Navigate to the ‘Design’ tab located near the top of your Word window.
The ‘Design’ tab houses various formatting tools, including options for background colors. You’ll find all sorts of design customizations here.
Step 3: Click on ‘Page Color’
In the ‘Design’ tab, find the ‘Page Color’ button. Click it to open a dropdown menu.
The ‘Page Color’ button is easy to spot and holds the key to changing not just page colors but text background colors too.
Step 4: Choose ‘No Color’
From the dropdown menu, select ‘No Color’ to remove any background color from the text.
Selecting ‘No Color’ will immediately strip away any background color, leaving your text with a clean look.
Step 5: Recheck Your Text
Finally, take a second look at your text. Ensure the background color is gone and the text appears just the way you want it.
If the background color is still there, you might have missed a spot. No worries, just repeat the steps for any remaining colored text.
After completing these steps, your text will go back to its default background color, making your document look neat and professional without those distracting hues.
Tips for Removing Background Color in Word After Copied Text
- Highlight Everything: Make sure you’ve selected all portions of text that have the background color.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Ctrl+A to select everything, then follow the steps for faster results.
- Check Formatting: Sometimes background color hides in paragraph settings; ensure to check there if the steps don’t work.
- Experiment with ‘Styles’: The ‘Design’ tab also has ‘Styles’ that might help reset unwanted formatting.
- Inspect Pasting Options: Use ‘Keep Text Only’ when pasting to avoid bringing in background colors in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I highlight text in Word?
Just click and drag your mouse over the text you want to highlight. You can also hold down the Shift key and use the arrow keys for more precision.
Can I remove background color from just a portion of the text?
Yes, you can select just the part of the text with the unwanted background color and follow the same steps.
What if the ‘Page Color’ option doesn’t work?
Try copying the text into Notepad first, then copy it back into Word. This often strips away any hidden formatting.
Does this method work on all versions of Word?
Yes, but the location of the ‘Design’ tab might vary slightly. Look for similar options if you’re using an older version.
Can I change the background color instead of removing it?
Absolutely! In the ‘Page Color’ dropdown, you can pick any color you like to replace the current one.
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Go to the ‘Design’ tab.
- Click on ‘Page Color.’
- Choose ‘No Color.’
- Recheck your text.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Removing background color in Word after copying text doesn’t have to be a hassle. By following these simple steps, you can ensure your document maintains a polished and clean appearance.
Remember, the ‘Design’ tab is your best friend when it comes to formatting. And don’t forget to use tips like highlighting all affected text and experimenting with different styles to get the best results. If you have persistent issues, pasting text into Notepad first can often help strip away stubborn formatting.
For further reading, delve into advanced Word formatting techniques to enhance your document preparation skills. Until then, happy editing!
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.