This article explains how to apply a background color to an entire table or to specific portions while working on a table in Microsoft Word, to add emphasis or make a complex table more readable. Instructions apply to Microsoft Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

To create a new table and color it before entering data into it:

On the ribbon, go to the Insert tab and select the Table drop-down arrow.

Drag the cursor over the grid to choose how many rows and columns you want in the table.