A wrong background color can ruin an otherwise solid design.
Learning how to change background color on Canva takes less than two minutes, but the impact on your visual content is significant.
Whether you need a solid color for a social media post, a gradient for a presentation slide, or exact hex code matching for brand consistency, Canva’s color picker makes it simple.
This guide walks you through every method available in the Canva editor.
You will learn how to apply solid colors, use gradients, extract colors from images, access Brand Kit palettes, and change backgrounds across multiple pages at once.
How to Change Background Color on Canva
Changing the background color on Canva is the process of modifying the canvas backdrop using the color picker tool, hex codes, or preset palettes within the Canva editor.
Users need this when creating social media posts, presentations, flyers, or any visual content that requires a specific color scheme.
This guide covers 5 steps requiring 1-2 minutes and a free or Pro Canva account.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Canva account (free or Canva Pro)
- Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) or Canva desktop/mobile app
- New design or existing project ready to edit
- Time needed: 1-2 minutes
- Skill level: Beginner
The eyedropper tool for extracting colors from images works only in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.
Step One: How Do You Open Your Design in Canva?
Access your Canva account through canva.com or the desktop app, then select an existing project from your homepage or click “Create a design” to start a new canvas with your preferred dimensions.
Action
Go to canva.com and log in.
Click “Create a design” at the top right corner, or select an existing project from your recent designs.
The design canvas opens in the Canva editor with the toolbar visible at the top.
Purpose
Opening your design first activates all editing tools in the toolbar, including the background color options you will need in the next steps.
Step Two: Where Do You Click to Select the Canvas Background?
Click on any empty area of your design canvas (not on text, images, or other elements) to select the background layer, which activates the color palette options in the top toolbar.
Action
Click anywhere on the blank canvas area outside your design elements.
A bounding box appears around the entire canvas when the background is selected.
The color tile becomes visible in the top-left toolbar.
Purpose
Selecting the background tells Canva you want to edit the backdrop layer specifically, not other elements in your design.
Without this selection, the color options will not appear.
Step Three: How Do You Access the Background Color Options?
Click the colored square (color tile) in the top-left toolbar to open the color panel, which displays default colors, custom color options, document colors, and your Brand Kit palette if available.
Action
Locate the color tile in the toolbar above your canvas.
Click it to open the color panel on the left side of the screen.
The panel shows default colors, photo colors extracted from your images, gradient options, and the option to add custom colors using hex codes or the color wheel.
Purpose
The color panel is your central hub for all background customization.
From here you can select solid colors, apply gradients, input specific RGB values, or use brand colors for consistent design work.
Step Four: How Do You Apply a Solid Background Color?
Select a color from the default palette, use the color picker to choose a custom shade, or enter a specific hex code in the input field to apply your desired solid background color instantly.
Action
Click any color from the default options to apply it immediately.
For custom colors, click the + icon, then use the color wheel or enter a hex code (like #FF5733).
The background updates in real-time as you select colors.
Purpose
Solid colors work for most design needs, from social media posts to presentations.
Using hex codes ensures exact color matching across all your branded materials.
Alternative Method: How Do You Apply a Gradient Background?
Search for “gradient” in the Elements tab, select a preset gradient style, then adjust both colors and the angle to create depth and visual interest in your design background.
Action
Click Elements in the left sidebar, then search “gradient” in the search bar.
Drag your chosen gradient onto the canvas.
Click the gradient to adjust colors, direction, and intensity using the toolbar options.
Purpose
Gradients add dimension that solid colors cannot achieve.
Understanding color theory helps you choose gradient combinations that create visual harmony rather than clash.
Alternative Method: How Do You Use Brand Kit Colors for Backgrounds?
Access your saved brand guidelines directly from the color panel by clicking on the Brand Kit section, then select any pre-saved brand color to apply as your background.
Action
Open the color panel by clicking the color tile in the toolbar.
Scroll to the Brand Kit section (requires Canva Pro).
Click any brand color to apply it to your background.
Purpose
Brand Kit integration maintains color consistency across all your designs without manually entering hex codes each time.
Alternative Method: How Do You Extract Colors from an Uploaded Image?
Use the Photo Colors feature or eyedropper tool to capture colors directly from any image in your design, creating harmonious color schemes automatically.
Action
Upload an image to your design, then open the color panel.
Click Photo Colors to see automatically extracted colors from your image.
Select any extracted color to apply it as your background.
The eyedropper tool (Chrome/Edge only) lets you pick any color visible on screen.
Purpose
Color extraction creates cohesive designs where the background complements your images naturally.
This technique helps achieve unity between all design elements.
Step Five: How Do You Apply the Background Color to Multiple Pages?
Use the “Change All” button at the bottom of the color panel to apply your selected background color across every page in your multi-page Canva project simultaneously.
Action
Select your desired background color from the color panel.
Click “Change All” or “Apply to all pages” at the bottom of the panel.
All pages in your project update to the new background color.
Purpose
Batch application saves time on presentations, multi-page documents, and social media carousels.
How Do You Change an Image Background Color in Canva?
Click on your image, select Edit Photo, navigate to Adjust, choose Background from the Select Area dropdown, then modify the hue, saturation, brightness, and texture sliders to change only the image background.
Action
- Click your image to select it
- Click Edit Photo in the toolbar
- Select the Adjust tab
- Click Select Area dropdown, choose “Background”
- Adjust White Balance, Light, Color, and Texture sliders
Purpose
Image background editing differs from canvas editing because it modifies the photo itself, not the design layer behind it.
For complete background removal, learn how to remove background in Canva using the Background Remover tool.
Verification
Confirm your background color change applied correctly:
- Check the canvas displays your selected color
- Click through all pages to verify multi-page changes
- Preview your design using the Preview button (top right)
- Zoom out to see the full design at actual size
If the color looks different than expected, your monitor’s color calibration may differ from standard CMYK print values.
Troubleshooting
Background color option not appearing in toolbar
Click directly on an empty canvas area, not on any element.
If working with a template, the background may be locked. Right-click and select “Unlock” first.
Cannot change background on template
Some templates use images as backgrounds instead of solid colors.
Delete the background image layer, then apply your color to the canvas beneath it.
Color change not applying to all pages
Reopen the color panel and click “Change All” at the bottom.
Each page must have a selectable background layer for batch changes to work.
Eyedropper tool not working
The eyedropper only functions in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers.
Switch browsers or use the Photo Colors feature as an alternative.
Color looks different when printed
Screen colors use RGB; printers use CMYK.
For accurate print colors, use Pantone codes or convert your hex values to CMYK before sending to print.
Related Processes
Continue building your Canva skills with these related tutorials:
- How to add a text box in Canva for placing text over your new background
- How to make a brand kit in Canva for saving your brand colors
- How to crop in Canva for adjusting images on your background
- How to make a poster in Canva using your custom background colors
- How to make a presentation in Canva with consistent slide backgrounds
FAQ on How To Change Background Color On Canva
Can you change background color in Canva for free?
Yes. The color picker, default color palette, hex code input, and gradient options are all available in the free version of Canva.
Brand Kit colors require a Canva Pro subscription.
Why can’t I change the background color in Canva?
You likely clicked on an element instead of the canvas itself.
Click on an empty area of your design to select the background layer. Some templates use images as backgrounds, which must be deleted first.
How do I change the background color on Canva mobile app?
Tap the canvas background, then tap the color icon at the bottom of the screen.
Select from default colors, enter a hex code, or choose from your Brand Kit palette.
Can I use a gradient instead of a solid background color?
Yes. Go to Elements, search “gradient,” and drag one onto your canvas.
Click the gradient to adjust colors and angle. Gradients add depth and create better contrast with text overlays.
How do I match my background color to my brand colors?
Open the color panel and scroll to your Brand Kit section.
If you have not set up brand colors yet, enter your hex codes manually or use the eyedropper tool to extract colors from your logo.
How do I change the background color on all pages at once?
Select your background color from the color panel.
Click “Change All” at the bottom of the panel. This applies the same color to every page in your multi-page project instantly.
What is the difference between canvas background and image background?
Canvas background is the design layer behind all elements. Image background is part of a photo itself.
To edit image backgrounds, use Edit Photo > Adjust > Select Area > Background.
Can I make the background transparent in Canva?
Yes, but only with Canva Pro.
When downloading, check the “Transparent background” option under PNG format. This removes the background entirely, useful for logos and overlays.
How do I extract a color from an image for my background?
Upload your image, open the color panel, and check the Photo Colors section.
Canva automatically extracts dominant colors. The eyedropper tool (Chrome and Edge only) lets you pick any specific color.
Will my background color look the same when printed?
Screen colors use RGB; printers use CMYK.
Colors may shift slightly. For accurate results in print design, use colors from established color matching systems or request a proof before large print runs.
Conclusion
Knowing how to change background color on Canva gives you full control over your design workspace.
You can now apply solid colors, gradients, and custom hex codes in seconds.
The color panel offers default color options, photo color extraction, and Brand Kit access for consistent background settings across projects.
Background color choices affect visual hierarchy and overall design impact.
The right backdrop creates white space balance and draws attention to your main design elements.
Understanding color psychology helps you select backgrounds that match your message.
Start with your next Canva project and experiment with different background color options to see what works for your content.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
He also wrote in the past years on sites like Design Your Way, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Designmodo, Speckyboy, Slider Revolution, and more.
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Bogdan Sandu is a seasoned designer who has been designing websites since 2008. Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients. His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8. He also wrote in the past years on sites like Design Your Way, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Designmodo, Speckyboy, Slider Revolution, and more.
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