Change artboard background color through the Artboard Options panel

Open the Artboard Options panel by double-clicking the artboard you want to change, or by selecting it and going to Object > Artboards > Edit Artboard. In the panel that appears on the right side of your screen, look for the Color section. Click the color swatch next to "Color" to open the color picker, then choose your new background color. The artboard background updates when ready.

If the Artboard Options panel is not visible, you can open it manually by going to Window > Artboards. Make sure the artboard is selected in the Layers panel or by clicking its border on the canvas before you try to change the color.

Key Takeaways

  • Double-click an artboard or select it and use Object > Artboards > Edit Artboard to open the Artboard Options panel where the color control lives.
  • The Color swatch in the Artboard Options panel opens a standard color picker where you can choose any color, including custom RGB or hex values.
  • Artboard background color is separate from the canvas color and only affects how that specific artboard displays on screen.
  • You can set different background colors for different artboards in the same document without affecting your artwork or export settings.

Where to find the color swatch if the panel is hidden

The Artboard Options panel sometimes closes or gets grouped with other panels. If you cannot see it after double-clicking an artboard, go to Window at the top menu and look for Artboards in the list. Click it to bring the panel back to the right side of your workspace.

Once the panel is open, make sure you have the correct artboard selected. You can tell an artboard is selected when you see a thick border around it on the canvas. If you have multiple artboards, clicking the wrong one will open its options instead.

Using the color picker to set a specific shade

When you click the color swatch in the Artboard Options panel, Illustrator opens the standard color picker. You can choose a color by clicking anywhere in the color field, or you can enter exact values if you need a specific shade. The picker shows RGB sliders, HSB values, and a hex field where you can paste a color code.

If you want to match a color from your artwork, use the eyedropper tool inside the color picker. Click the eyedropper icon, then click any color on your canvas or artboard, and that color becomes your new artboard background. This is useful when you want the artboard color to complement or contrast with your design.

Artboard color versus canvas color

The artboard background color is different from the overall canvas color. Changing the artboard color only affects that specific artboard and does not change the gray workspace around it. If you want to change the canvas color itself (the area outside all artboards), go to Edit > Preferences > Guides & Grid on Windows, or Illustrator > Preferences > Guides & Grid on Mac, then adjust the Canvas Color setting.

Artboard background color is also separate from the document background color used for printing or export. Changing the artboard color on screen does not affect what gets printed or saved as a PDF or image file unless you specifically export the artboard background as part of your file.

Resetting an artboard to the default white background

If you want to return an artboard to white or remove a custom color, open the Artboard Options panel and click the color swatch. In the color picker, move the brightness slider all the way to the right (or set RGB values to 255, 255, 255 for pure white). Click outside the picker or press Enter to explore the change.

You can also click the small arrow or menu icon in the Artboard Options panel to see preset color options, though most users find it faster to click the swatch directly and choose white from the color field.

Changing multiple artboards at once

If you have several artboards and want them all to have the same background color, you must change each one individually through the Artboard Options panel. Illustrator does not have a batch color tool for artboards. Select the first artboard, set its color, then move to the next one and repeat the process.

A faster workflow is to set the color on your first artboard, then use the eyedropper in the color picker on subsequent artboards to match that same color. This ensures all artboards have identical backgrounds without having to remember or type in the exact color values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing artboard color affect what gets printed or exported?

No. Artboard background color is a display setting only. When you print or export your file as PDF, PNG, or another format, the artboard background does not appear unless you specifically check an option to include the artboard color in your export settings. Check your export dialog to confirm.

Can I make an artboard background transparent?

Artboard backgrounds in Illustrator are always opaque colors. You cannot set an artboard to transparent. If you want a transparent background for export, use File > Export As and choose a format like PNG that supports transparency, then make sure the artboard background is white or your desired color before export.

Why is the color swatch grayed out or not responding?

The artboard may not be selected. Click the artboard border on the canvas to select it, then double-click it to open Artboard Options. If the panel still does not respond, try going to Object > Artboards > Edit Artboard from the menu instead of double-clicking.

Can I use a gradient or pattern as an artboard background?

No. Artboard backgrounds in Illustrator accept solid colors only. If you want a gradient or pattern background, create a rectangle on a layer below your artwork, fill it with your gradient or pattern, and position it to cover the artboard. This gives the visual effect of a patterned background without using the artboard color feature.