How to Change Background Color in Illustrator

By Tata Rossi 3 days ago, Software Reviews

Is there an easy way to change background color in Illustrator? When working with white illustrations, it’s impossible to edit them on the default white artboard background. Find out how to quickly solve this problem in Illustrator in 9 steps.

1. Create a New Document

First, launch Illustrator, and create a new document.

how to change background color in illustrator simulate colored paper create new document

2. Navigate to Document Setup

The next step of Illustrator background color change is to click on the main File tab and then choose “Document Setup” from the dropdown list that appears. If you prefer using hotkeys for quicker access, you can use the Alt+Ctrl+P/Opt+Cmd+P key combination.

how to change background color in illustrator document setup

3. Check the “Simulate Colored Paper” Box

This will bring up a new window with a variety of general document settings. Find the “Simulate Colored Paper” option in the Transparency and Overprint Options, and check that box. Next, open the first of the two color grid panels that are situated next to it.

how to change background color in illustrator simulate colored paper

4. Select the Color

You’ll see a color picker appear. Select any color you’d like to set as the background color. You can either choose a basic color or a custom one. Once you’ve made your choice, click “OK.”

how to change background color in illustrator choose color

5. Click the Second Grid Color Panel

Once you have done that, click the second of the two grid color panels.

how to change background color in illustrator colors of grid

6. Choose a Second Background Color

This will bring up the color picker you’ve seen before. Choose a second background color. Click “OK.”

how to change background color in illustrator color picker

7. Save Changes

Click “OK” to save the changes.

how to change background color in illustrator

8. Enable Transparency Grid

Activate the transparency grid by going to the “View” tab and selecting “Show Transparency Grid”. Use the Shift+Ctrl+D/Shift+Cmd+D hotkey for quicker access.

how to change background color in illustrator show transparency grid

9. Done! Save the File

Problem solved! Now that you know how to change background color in Illustrator you can start following popular Adobe Illustrator tutorials.

You can also learn how to cut out an image in Illustrator, and remove its background completely.

how to change background color in illustrator final

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