How to Add a Gradient Background to a Microsoft Word Document

1. Go to the Format menu and select Background.
2. Select Fill Effects in the Background window.
3. Select the Gradient tab.
4. Click on one of the three color selections: one color, two colors or preset. One color provides a one-color gradient, two colors combines two colors in the gradient, and preset provides 24 gradient choices.
5. Use the Shading Styles menu in the lower left corner of the Gradient window to select the direction of the gradient.
6. Select one of the four variants that appear in the Variants window. Your choice will appear in the Sample box.
7. Click OK and the gradient you selected will be applied to the page. The view you're in will shift to Online Layout view if you're not already in that view.