Open the Artboard Options panel to change the background color

The artboard background color in Adobe Illustrator is controlled through the Artboard Options dialog. To access it, select your artboard with the Artboard tool (keyboard shortcut: Shift+O), then double-click the artboard itself. This opens a panel where you can change the color, name, and dimensions all in one place.

If you have multiple artboards, make sure you have selected the specific one you want to modify before opening the dialog. The changes you make explore only to the artboard you have selected.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the Artboard tool from the toolbar or press Shift+O, then double-click your artboard to open Artboard Options.
  • The color setting in Artboard Options controls only the background display in Illustrator; it does not affect what prints or exports.
  • You can choose from preset colors (white, light gray, dark gray, black, or transparent) or click the color swatch to pick a custom color.
  • Transparent artboards let you see the canvas checkerboard pattern behind your artwork, which is useful for checking how designs look against different backgrounds.

Finding the color option in the Artboard Options dialog

Once the Artboard Options dialog is open, look for the Color dropdown menu. By default, most artboards are set to white. The dropdown offers five built-in options: white, light gray, dark gray, black, and transparent. Select whichever background makes it easiest to see your artwork while you work.

If none of the presets match what you need, click the small color swatch box next to the dropdown. This opens the color picker, where you can choose any color from the full spectrum or enter specific RGB or hex values.

Understanding what the artboard color actually does

The artboard background color is a display setting only—it changes how the workspace looks on your screen, but it does not affect what gets printed, exported, or saved in your file. When you export your artwork as a PDF, PNG, or any other format, the artboard color setting does not automatically become part of the exported image unless you explicitly include the artboard background in your export settings.

This is different from adding a colored rectangle or shape to your artwork. If you want a colored background to actually appear in your final design, you need to draw a shape on the artboard itself, not just change the artboard display color.

Using transparent artboards to check your design

Setting an artboard to transparent shows the canvas checkerboard pattern behind your artwork. This is helpful when you are designing logos, icons, or any artwork that will sit on top of different backgrounds. The checkerboard pattern is Illustrator's way of showing you where transparency exists.

Many designers switch between white and transparent artboards while working, depending on what they need to see at that moment. You can change the color back and forth as many times as you want without affecting your actual artwork.

Changing the artboard color for multiple artboards at once

If your document has several artboards and you want them all to have the same background color, you must change them individually. Select the Artboard tool, click on the first artboard, double-click to open its options, set the color, then repeat for each artboard. Illustrator does not offer a "change all artboards" command.

A workaround is to set up your preferred artboard color first, then duplicate that artboard (right-click and select Duplicate Artboard). The duplicate inherits the color setting from the original, which saves you from resetting it each time.

What to do if the Artboard Options dialog does not appear

Make sure you have the Artboard tool selected. If you are using the Selection tool (the black arrow) instead, double-clicking the artboard will not open the options. Press Shift+O to switch to the Artboard tool, then try again.

If the dialog still does not open, try right-clicking on the artboard edge and selecting Edit Artboard from the context menu. This is an alternative way to reach the same Artboard Options panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the artboard color show up when I export my file?

No, the artboard background color is only for display in Illustrator. When you export as PDF, PNG, or other formats, the artboard color does not automatically export unless you specifically check an option like "Include Artboard" in the export settings—and even then, behavior varies by format. If you need a colored background in your final file, draw a shape on the artboard instead.

Can I make the artboard color semi-transparent?

The built-in color presets (white, gray, black) are fully opaque. If you want a semi-transparent background, click the color swatch to open the color picker and adjust the opacity slider there. This lets you create a tinted background that is lighter or darker than the full-color options.

Why does my artboard look different on someone else's computer?

The artboard color is a local display setting stored in your Illustrator preferences, not in the file itself. When you send the file to someone else, their artboard color reverts to their default setting. The actual artwork remains unchanged; only the background color they see on screen is different.

Can I change the artboard color using a keyboard shortcut?

No, there is no built-in keyboard shortcut for changing artboard color. You must open the Artboard Options dialog by selecting the Artboard tool and double-clicking the artboard. However, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut in Illustrator's preferences if you use this feature frequently.