How to add a background colour to pages in Confluence Cloud

[#1]

Confluence pages can be plain and unengaging, especially when they're text-heavy. How can you keep users engaged and help them find the right information quicker? 

If you’ve ever wished to add more colour to your pages, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn how.

Two ways to change your Confluence background colour

You can't change your entire Confluence page colour, but you can create coloured background sections and draw attention to important content on your pages. 

Option 1: Using a Confluence table

1. In the page editor toolbar, select the arrow beside the table icon and select 1x1.

2. Drag the table cell to your chosen width.

3. On the Table options bar, choose a colour from the palette.

5. Add your content to the table cell. Press Enter below and above your content if you want to add some whitespace. You can even add an image.

6. Press Publish or Update in the corner of your page to preview your new background section.

Using a table cell to create a background is fairly quick and simple. However, you're limited to using a handful of colours and the customisation is very minimal.

Option 2: Using an app from the Atlassian Marketplace

If you want to do more with your backgrounds, such as adding brand colours, changing their size, or using an image instead of a colour, we recommend using an app that comes with a dedicated background macro. Our guide uses Mosaic: Content Formatting Macros & Templates.

1. Install Mosaic

2. In edit mode on your Confluence page, type /background and click on the Background macro.

3. From the Background editor, you can change your background colour using the Background Fill option.

You can choose a default colour, select a colour from your brand palette (if set up), or click the paint tin icon to choose a custom shade.

4. Under Text colour, you can choose the colour of your text.

5. Click Save in the bottom right to complete your changes, then click Publish/Update on your page.

⚡️Pro tip: The Background macro is very customisable! You can change your text alignment, round the corners, specify the height of your coloured section, or even set an image as the background:

Ways to use the Background macro: 5 examples

Using colours and images, the Background macro can help you create visually engaging sections, headers, and more. You can even combine it with other macros, such as buttons, cards, tables, and layouts.  

Here are some example combinations to inspire you: 

1. Background macro and text

Create visually engaging headers to welcome users to your page.

2. Background macro, text, and search bar

Make your search bar stand out so that users can find what they need quicker.

3. Background macro and Confluence layouts

Showcase facts and information in an easily digestible way.

4. Background macro, button macro, and Confluence layouts

Create engaging call-to-action sections that highlight key links.

5. Background macro and table

Make dull, text-heavy tables more appealing and enjoyable to read.

What are your favourite ways to make Confluence pages more engaging? Share your tips in the comments below!