It is very easy to insert a table in Google Docs. Once you have inserted the table, you can edit and format it in various ways.
In this article, we will be talking about one way in which you can format your tables: by changing the background color of the cells.
By default, the cells are transparent. This means that their color is the same as the color of your document. Since the color of Google Docs documents is generally white, the color of the cells is also generally white.
However, you can change the background color of the cells to any color you want.
You can choose from one of the many existing colors or you can create a custom color.
Changing the color of the cells of your table allows you to highlight certain cells (such as cells containing important information). It also makes your table look more interesting and therefore makes it engaging.
3 methods of changing the background color of cells in Google Docs.
- Using the background color icon in the table toolbar
- Right-clicking and opening Table properties
- Going to the Format menu and opening Table properties
Method 1: Using the background color icon in the table toolbar
The first method involves using the table toolbar.
The benefit of this method is that it is really convenient: it is easier and less time-consuming than the other methods. Within a few clicks, you can change the background color of your cells. Hence, we recommend you use this method.
Step 1: Open your Google Docs document.
(Optional) Step 2: Insert a table.
Step 3: Click on your table.
Go to your table and click on any cell in it. This will open a toolbar at the top of the screen, right next to the existing Google Docs toolbar.
Step 4: Click on the background color icon in the table toolbar and change the background color of cells.
This is the icon:
Click on this icon to open up a drop down menu containing various colors. You can either choose from one of the existing colors or create a new color of your own (using the custom option). Click on one of the colors in the menu to change the color of your cell.
To change the background color of multiple cells, select multiple cells then repeat the process. To select multiple cells, just drag your cursor across the screen. The selected cells will be highlighted in blue. Once you have selected your cells, click on the background color icon then choose a color. The background color of the selected cells should be changed from white to the color of your choice.
To change the background color of the entire table, select the entire table and use the icon to change the color.
Method 2: Right-clicking and opening Table properties
The next method involves using the Table properties window.
The benefit of this method is that it allows you to change multiple aspects of your table at once. For example, you can not only change the cell color, you can also change the row height or alignment of your table.
Step 1: Right click on your table.
Go to your table and right click on it. This will open a long drop down menu.
Step 2: Click on the Table properties option.
In the drop down menu, you should see the Table properties option (somewhere in the middle). Click on this option to open the Table properties window.
Step 3: Change the Cell background color.
Under Cell background color, you should find the option for changing the background color of the cells of your table. Click on it to find the different color choices. You also have the option to create a custom color.
When you choose a particular color from the set of options, the background color of the cell in which your cursor is located will be changed to the color you just selected.
If you want to change the background color of a specific set of cells, select those cells and repeat this method. If you want to change the background color of the entire table, select the entire table and repeat this method.
Step 5: Click on OK.
Once you have selected a background color of your choice, click on OK. This option is located at the bottom right corner of the screen. Doing this will reflect the changes you made in your document.
Method 3: Going to the Format menu and opening Table properties
This method is similar to the previous one. The only difference between this method and the previous method is that in this method, we will be using the Format tab to open the Table properties window whereas in the previous method we right clicked on the table. Hence, there is one extra step in this method.
Step 1: Click on the Format tab at the top left corner of the screen.
The Format tab is located at the top left corner of the screen (next to the Insert tab). Click on it to open the Format menu.
Step 2: Click on or hover over the Table option.
Towards the bottom of the Format tab, you should find the Table option. Click on or hover over it to open another smaller drop down menu.
Step 3: Click on the Table properties option.
The last option in the new drop down menu is Table properties.
Click on it to open the Table properties window.
Step 4: Change the Cell background color.
Under Cell background color, you should find the option for changing the background color of the cells of your table. Click on it to find the different color choices. You also have the option to create a custom color.
When you choose a particular color from the set of options, the background color of the cell in which your cursor is located will be changed to the color you just selected.
If you want to change the background color of a specific set of cells, select those cells and repeat this method. If you want to change the background color of the entire table, select the entire table and repeat this method.
Step 5: Click on OK.
Once you have selected the background color of your choice, click on OK. This option is located at the bottom right corner of the screen. Doing this will reflect the changes you made in your document.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of the article! Thank you for reading!