The fastest way to change your background
Open the File menu, select Document Setup, and click the Edit Artboard button. In the panel on the right, find Artboard and look for the fill color swatch — it shows as a small square. Click that square to open the color picker, choose your new color, and click OK. The artboard background updates when ready.
If you do not see the Artboard panel on the right side of your screen, go to Window > Artboard to open it. The panel stays visible so you can change the background color again without reopening the menu each time.
This method changes the artboard itself, which is the canvas you work on. It is different from placing a background shape or image on top of your artwork — that approach gives you more control over what the background looks like, but takes an extra step.
Key Takeaways
- The artboard background color is changed through File > Document Setup > Edit Artboard, then by clicking the fill color swatch in the Artboard panel.
- You can also drag a shape or image to the back layer to use as a background without changing the artboard itself.
- The artboard background color does not print or export unless you flatten the artwork first.
- Transparency (no background color) is the default setting, shown as a checkerboard pattern in Illustrator.
Using a shape or image as a background instead
If you want more control over what your background looks like — a gradient, a pattern, or an imported image — create or place it on your canvas, then move it behind your other artwork. Draw a rectangle that covers your entire artboard, fill it with the color or pattern you want, then right-click the shape and select Arrange > Send to Back. The shape moves behind everything else.
To place an image as a background, go to File > Place, choose your image file, and click Place. Position and resize it to cover your artboard, then send it to the back the same way. This method keeps your background as a separate object you can edit, move, or delete without affecting your main artwork.
Understanding artboard background versus canvas background
Illustrator distinguishes between the artboard background (the color of the canvas itself) and objects placed on the artboard. The artboard background is what you see when you look at the document, but it does not print or export to most file formats unless you flatten the artwork first.
When you export to PNG or PDF with transparency, the artboard background does not come along — the background stays transparent. If you export to JPG, which does not support transparency, Illustrator fills transparent areas with white by default. To control what appears in your final file, use a shape or image as a background instead of relying on the artboard color alone.
Why your background shows a checkerboard pattern
The checkerboard pattern in Illustrator means the artboard is set to transparent — there is no background color. This is the default setting. The checkerboard itself does not print or export; it is only a visual indicator that transparency is active.
If you want a solid background, use the Artboard panel to set a fill color, or create a shape and send it to the back. If you want to keep the transparency but hide the checkerboard while you work, go to View > Hide Artboards, though this does not change the actual transparency of your file.
Changing the background for multiple artboards
If your document has more than one artboard, each one has its own background color setting. Click the artboard you want to change in the Artboards panel (open it at Window > Artboards, or use the artboard tool in the toolbar), then adjust the fill color in the Artboard panel on the right.
To set the same background color on all artboards at once, there is no single command — you must change each one individually. Select the first artboard, set its color, then move to the next. This takes longer with many artboards, but gives you the option to use different backgrounds for different pages if your design calls for it.
What happens when you export with a background
The artboard background color behavior changes depending on your export format. When you export to PNG, the background stays transparent unless you turn off the transparency option in the export dialog. When you export to JPG, Illustrator converts the transparent background to white automatically, because JPG does not support transparency.
If you export to PDF, the artboard background color is preserved. To control the background in your final file, check the export settings for your chosen format — most offer an option to flatten or preserve transparency. Using a shape as a background (instead of relying on the artboard color) gives you the most predictable results across all formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the artboard background color print?
No, the artboard background does not print by default. Only objects you place on the artboard print. If you want a colored background in your printed output, create a rectangle filled with your chosen color and send it to the back of your artwork.
Can I change the background color of just one artboard?
Yes. Click the artboard you want to change in the Artboards panel, then adjust the fill color in the Artboard panel on the right. Each artboard has its own background setting, so you can use different colors for different pages in the same document.
What is the difference between the artboard background and a background shape?
The artboard background is the color of the canvas itself and does not export to most formats. A background shape is an object you create and place behind your artwork — it exports with your file and gives you more control over appearance, including gradients and patterns.
Why does my background look like a checkerboard?
The checkerboard pattern means your artboard is transparent. This is the default. To add a background color, use the Artboard panel to set a fill, or create a shape and send it to the back. The checkerboard does not print or export.
How do I remove a background I added?
If you used the Artboard panel, click the fill color swatch and select None. If you created a background shape, select it and press Delete. Either method returns your artboard to transparency (the checkerboard pattern).