WD2000: Creating White Text on a Dark Background

You can use three methods to view and print a reverse video effect (light text on a dark background) in Microsoft Word. The first method is to create a graphic object and place text in the graphic object. The second method is to use a text box, and the third method is to use text and paragraph formats.

You can also view a reverse video effect but print black text on white paper with the Blue background, white text option.

There are benefits and limitations to each of these methods. If you create a graphic object, you can create any shape background with any color fill, but you cannot edit the text, fill the background, or change the shape without using the Drawing toolbar and the amount of text that you can enter cannot exceed the borders of the graphic object. If you create the effect with text and paragraph formats, you can easily format the text and paragraph attributes, but you are limited to only square fills.

You may find the Blue background, white text option easier to look at for long periods of time, but when colored images are imported, it is sometimes difficult to determine what they will look like when printed.

To view and print a reverse video effect, use one of the following methods:

Method 1: Create a Graphic Object

To create a graphic object with colored text on top of a colored background, follow these steps:

1. In Microsoft Word, on the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.
2. On the Drawing toolbar, click AutoShapes.
3. Point to Basic Shapes, and then click a graphic shape, for example, Octagon.
4. Create an octagon or other graphic object that is approximately 3" by 3".
   
   NOTE: If the ruler is not visible, click to select Ruler on the View menu.
5. Right-click the graphic object, and then click Add Text on the shortcut menu.
   
   A text box is superimposed over the graphic object.
6. Type This is a test inside the graphic object.
7. On the Drawing toolbar, click the arrow next to the Fill Color button, and then select a dark color, for example, Dark Green.
8. Select the text in the text box.
9. On the Drawing toolbar, click the arrow next to the Font Color button, and then select a light color, for example, White.
   
   You now have a graphic object with white text on a dark green background.

Method 2: Create a Text Box

To create a graphic object with colored text on top of a colored background, follow these steps:

1. In Microsoft Word, on the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Drawing.
2. On the Drawing toolbar, click Text Box.
3. Create a text box that is approximately 3" by 3".
   
   NOTE: If the ruler is not visible, click to select Ruler the View menu.
4. Place the insertion point inside the text box, and then type This is a test.
5. On the Drawing toolbar, click the arrow next to the Fill Color button, and then select a dark color, for example, Dark Green.
6. Select the text in the text box.
7. On the Drawing toolbar, click the arrow next to the Font Color button, and then select a light color, for example, White.
   
   You now have a text box with white text on a dark green background.

Method 3: Use Text and Paragraph Formats

To create formatted text included in a shaded paragraph or table cell, follow these steps:

1. Start Word.
2. Type This is another test.
3. Select the text that you just typed.
4. On the Format menu, click Font.
5. In the Font color box, select a light color, for example, Pale Blue, and then click OK.
   
   NOTE: If you select the White color, the text will seem to disappear until you complete the next step.
6. On the Format menu, click Borders and Shading.
7. On the Shading tab, under Fill, select a dark color, for example, Black, and then click OK.

Method 4: View Reverse Video and Print Normal Video

To view a reverse video effect (blue background and white text) and print black text, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. Click the General tab.
3. Click to select the Blue background, white text check box, and then click OK.