How to Change Background Color in Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a powerful graphic design software used by professionals and hobbyists alike to create stunning visual content. One of the essential skills to master in Illustrator is changing the background color, which can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your design. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the background color in Illustrator, covering various techniques and best practices.
Preparation
Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Illustrator installed on your computer and that you have a basic understanding of the software's interface.
Changing the Background Color
To change the background color in Illustrator, follow these steps:

- Select the object you want to change the background color for. If you're working on a new document, you can select the entire artboard by clicking on the "Artboard" tool in the toolbar.
- Go to the "Control Panel" or press Ctrl+Shift+C (Windows) or Command+Shift+C (Mac) to open the control panel.
- In the control panel, click on the "Fill" color swatch to open the color picker.
- Select the desired background color from the color palette or enter a custom hex code, RGB value, or HSL value.
- Click "OK" to apply the new background color.
Using the Swatches Panel
An alternative method to change the background color is by using the Swatches panel. Follow these steps:
- Select the object you want to change the background color for.
- Go to the Swatches panel by clicking on the "Window" menu and selecting "Swatches" or pressing Ctrl+Shift+Shift+W (Windows) or Command+Shift+W (Mac).
- In the Swatches panel, click on the "New Color" button to create a new swatch.
- Select the desired background color from the color palette or enter a custom hex code, RGB value, or HSL value.
- Click "OK" to apply the new background color.
Using the Eyedropper Tool
You can also use the Eyedropper tool to sample a color from the design and apply it as the new background color. Follow these steps:
- Select the Eyedropper tool from the toolbar or press Ctrl+Shift+E (Windows) or Command+Shift+E (Mac).
- Click on the object or color you want to sample.
- The selected color will be applied as the new background color.
Tips and Best Practices
When changing the background color in Illustrator, keep the following tips in mind:

- Use the Eyedropper tool to sample colors from other objects or images to maintain consistency in your design.
- Experiment with different color palettes to find the perfect background color that complements your design.
- Use the Swatches panel to manage and organize your colors, making it easier to switch between different background colors.
Conclusion
Changing the background color in Illustrator is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can master the skill of changing background colors in no time. Remember to experiment with different techniques and best practices to find the perfect background color for your design.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Control Panel | Select the object, open the control panel, select the fill color swatch, and enter the desired background color. |
| Swatches Panel | Select the object, open the Swatches panel, create a new swatch, and select the desired background color. |
| Eye Dropper Tool | Select the Eyedropper tool, click on the object or color to sample, and apply the selected color as the new background color. |