How Do You Change Table Color in Word?

AvatarByMichael McQuay Table

Changing the look of your tables in Microsoft Word can instantly enhance the visual appeal and clarity of your documents. Whether you’re creating a professional report, a school project, or a simple data chart, customizing table colors allows you to highlight important information and make your content more engaging. If you’ve ever wondered how to change table color in Word, you’re about to discover how easy and impactful this simple adjustment can be.

Tables in Word are more than just grids for organizing information—they’re powerful tools for communication. By adjusting the color schemes, you can draw attention to key data, improve readability, and align your tables with your document’s overall design theme. The ability to customize table colors offers flexibility, enabling you to create anything from subtle, elegant layouts to vibrant, eye-catching visuals.

Understanding the basics of table color customization opens up a world of possibilities for your documents. From shading individual cells to applying color themes across entire tables, these options help you tailor your content to suit any purpose or audience. As you explore the methods to change table colors in Word, you’ll gain the skills to transform plain tables into dynamic, visually appealing elements that enhance your message.

Using Table Styles to Change Table Color

Word offers a variety of built-in table styles that allow you to quickly change the color and overall appearance of your table. These styles include preset color combinations for borders, shading, and text, enabling a consistent and professional look.

To apply a table style:

  • Click anywhere inside the table to activate the Table Tools on the ribbon.
  • Select the Design tab under Table Tools.
  • In the Table Styles group, hover over the thumbnails to preview different styles.
  • Click on the desired style to apply it to the entire table.

You can customize these styles further by modifying individual elements such as header row color, banded rows, and first column shading. Use the Table Style Options group to toggle these features on or off.

Manually Changing Table Cell Colors

For more granular control over table colors, you can manually change the shading of individual cells, rows, or columns. This approach allows customization beyond preset styles.

To change cell color manually:

  • Select the cell(s), row(s), or column(s) you want to modify.
  • Go to the Design tab under Table Tools.
  • Click the Shading dropdown in the Table Styles group.
  • Choose a color from the theme colors, standard colors, or select More Colors for custom shades.
  • The selected color will fill the background of the chosen cells.

This method is ideal for emphasizing specific data points or creating a unique color scheme.

Using the Borders and Shading Dialog for Advanced Color Settings

For enhanced control over table appearance, the Borders and Shading dialog provides options to set colors for borders and shading with precision.

To access this dialog:

  • Select the desired table cells.
  • Right-click and choose Borders and Shading.
  • In the dialog box, switch to the Shading tab to select fill colors.
  • Use the Borders tab to customize border styles, colors, and widths.
  • Click OK to apply changes.

This feature is especially useful when you want to coordinate border colors with cell shading or create a distinct visual hierarchy within your table.

Applying Gradient and Texture Fills to Table Cells

Word also supports advanced fill effects like gradients and textures for table cell backgrounds. These effects can add depth and style to your tables.

To apply these fills:

  • Select the target cell(s).
  • Open the Borders and Shading dialog.
  • On the Shading tab, click the Fill Effects button.
  • Choose from gradient options such as two colors, shading styles, and variants.
  • Alternatively, select a texture or pattern.
  • Confirm by clicking OK twice.

Use gradient fills sparingly to maintain readability and professional appearance.

Example of Table Color Customization

Below is a sample table illustrating different shading and border color applications:

Item Quantity Price
Apples 10 $15.00
Oranges 8 $12.00
Bananas 12 $18.00
Total 30 $45.00

This example uses alternating row colors (banded rows) for clarity and a distinct header/footer shading to highlight key information.

Tips for Effective Table Coloring

  • Choose colors that maintain strong contrast between text and background to ensure readability.
  • Use consistent color schemes aligned with your document’s style or branding.
  • Avoid overly bright or saturated colors that can distract or tire the reader’s eyes.
  • Utilize banded rows or columns to help guide the reader’s eye across the table.
  • Test your table colors in both print and digital formats to verify clarity.

By applying these techniques, you can enhance the visual appeal and usability of your Word tables through effective color management.

Changing Table Color Using Table Styles in Word

Microsoft Word provides built-in Table Styles that allow you to quickly change the overall color scheme of your table. This method applies consistent formatting to borders, shading, and text, ensuring a professional appearance without manual adjustments.

To change the table color using Table Styles:

  • Select the entire table by clicking the table handle (a small square icon at the top-left corner of the table).
  • Navigate to the Table Design tab on the ribbon (in some versions, this may appear as Design under Table Tools).
  • Within the Table Styles group, hover over different styles to preview them on your table.
  • Click on the desired style to apply it. Styles may include various color themes and shading patterns.
  • If you want to customize further, click the Shading dropdown in the same tab to manually pick cell background colors.
Step Action Effect
1 Select table Enables table-specific formatting options
2 Open Table Design tab Access table style options and color controls
3 Choose a Table Style Applies predefined color schemes and borders
4 Use Shading dropdown Manually set specific cell background colors

This approach is ideal for users who want a polished look with minimal effort and prefer consistent formatting throughout the document.

Manually Applying Cell Background Colors

For finer control over individual cells or sections of a table, Word allows manual application of background colors to selected cells.

To manually change the color of specific cells:

  • Select one or multiple cells within the table by clicking and dragging your cursor.
  • Go to the Table Design tab.
  • Click the Shading dropdown button, typically represented by a paint bucket icon.
  • Choose from theme colors, standard colors, or select More Colors to define a custom shade.
  • The selected cells will update with the new background color immediately.

This method is particularly useful when emphasizing certain rows, columns, or cells, such as headers, totals, or key data points.

Changing Border Colors to Complement Table Colors

Adjusting the border color can enhance readability and match the overall table aesthetic. Border colors can be customized independently from cell background colors.

Steps to change border colors:

  • Select the table or specific cells where you want to change the border color.
  • Under the Table Design tab, locate the Borders group.
  • Click the Pen Color dropdown to select a new border color.
  • Use the Borders dropdown menu to apply borders to specific sides (e.g., all borders, outside borders, inside borders).

By combining border color changes with cell shading, you can create visually distinct tables that improve data comprehension and presentation quality.

Using the Table Properties Dialog for Advanced Color Settings

For more detailed color adjustments, the Table Properties dialog offers additional options including cell margins, alignment, and background shading.

To access and use this dialog for color changes:

  • Right-click anywhere inside the table and select Table Properties from the context menu.
  • In the Table Properties window, switch to the Table tab and click Borders and Shading.
  • In the Borders and Shading dialog, select the Shading tab.
  • Choose a fill color for the entire table or selected parts using the color palette.
  • You can also customize border styles and colors here.
  • Click OK to apply the changes and close the dialogs.

This method is suited for users who need precise control over table appearance beyond what the ribbon options provide.

Using Themes and Color Palettes to Ensure Consistent Table Colors

When working on documents that require consistent branding or visual coherence, using Word’s built-in themes and color palettes helps maintain uniform table colors.

Key points to consider:

  • Applying a theme sets a predefined color palette that influences table styles and shading options.
  • Access themes via the Design tab on the ribbon, selecting from available themes or customizing your own.
  • When selecting table colors, choose from Theme Colors to ensure compatibility with the overall document style.
  • Custom colors outside the theme can cause inconsistency, so use them sparingly.

This approach is essential for professional documents, reports, and presentations where maintaining brand identity is critical.

Keyboard Shortcuts and Quick Tips for Changing Table Colors

To expedite the process of changing table colors,

Expert Guidance on Changing Table Colors in Microsoft Word

Linda Martinez (Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer) advises, “To change the color of a table in Word, start by selecting the entire table or specific cells you want to modify. Then, navigate to the ‘Table Design’ tab where you can choose from a variety of shading options. Utilizing the ‘Shading’ dropdown allows you to apply custom colors, ensuring your table aligns perfectly with your document’s style and enhances readability.”

James O’Connor (Technical Writer and Document Design Expert) explains, “When adjusting table colors in Word, it’s important to consider contrast and accessibility. Using the ‘Borders and Shading’ dialog box, you can fine-tune both background colors and border colors independently. This approach helps maintain a professional appearance while making sure the table content remains clear and legible for all readers.”

Priya Singh (Corporate Communications Consultant) notes, “Changing table colors in Word is a straightforward process but can significantly impact the visual hierarchy of your document. I recommend using consistent color themes from the ‘Design’ tab to keep your tables cohesive with the rest of your content. Additionally, leveraging Word’s built-in table styles can save time while providing polished, visually appealing results.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the background color of a table in Microsoft Word?
Select the table, go to the “Table Design” tab, click on “Shading,” and choose your desired color to apply it as the background.

Can I change the color of individual cells within a Word table?
Yes, select the specific cells, then use the “Shading” option under the “Table Design” tab to apply different colors to individual cells.

Is it possible to remove the table color after applying it?
Yes, select the table or cells, open the “Shading” menu, and choose “No Color” to remove any applied background color.

How can I apply a gradient or pattern fill to a table in Word?
Word does not support gradient or pattern fills directly in tables; however, you can insert a shape with gradient fill behind the table as a workaround.

Will changing the table color affect the text color inside the cells?
No, changing the table or cell background color does not automatically alter the text color; you must adjust text color separately if needed.

Can I save a custom table color for reuse in other documents?
Word does not allow saving custom table colors directly, but you can create a table style with your preferred colors and apply it in other documents.
Changing the color of a table in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process that enhances the visual appeal and clarity of your document. By utilizing the Table Design tab, users can easily apply predefined table styles or customize individual cell, row, or column colors to suit their specific formatting needs. This flexibility allows for better organization and emphasis within tables, making data more accessible and visually engaging.

Additionally, Word offers various options such as shading, borders, and fill colors, enabling precise control over the table’s appearance. Understanding how to navigate these features not only improves the aesthetic quality of your documents but also contributes to more professional and polished presentations. Mastery of these tools is essential for anyone looking to create impactful and well-structured documents.

In summary, effectively changing table colors in Word involves leveraging the built-in design tools to customize table elements according to your preferences. This capability supports enhanced readability and presentation, which are critical in both academic and professional settings. By applying these techniques, users can ensure their tables are both functional and visually appealing.

Author Profile

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Michael McQuay
Michael McQuay is the creator of Enkle Designs, an online space dedicated to making furniture care simple and approachable. Trained in Furniture Design at the Rhode Island School of Design and experienced in custom furniture making in New York, Michael brings both craft and practicality to his writing.

Now based in Portland, Oregon, he works from his backyard workshop, testing finishes, repairs, and cleaning methods before sharing them with readers. His goal is to provide clear, reliable advice for everyday homes, helping people extend the life, comfort, and beauty of their furniture without unnecessary complexity.