Apparently you cannot. This is what the assistant says: (Backgrounds are not for printing)
About backgrounds and watermark
Backgrounds are used in Web layout view or in a Web browser to create a more interesting background for online viewing. Backgrounds are displayed in Web layout view only and aren't designed for printing
Watermarks are text or pictures that appear behind document text. They often add interest or identify the document status, such as marking a document as a "Draft." Watermarks are intended for printed documents
Use gradients, patterns, pictures, solid colors, or textures for backgrounds. Gradients, patterns, pictures, and textures are tiled, or repeated, to fill the page. When you save a document as a Web page, the textures and gradients are saved as JPEG files and the patterns are saved as GIF files
You can see watermarks in print layout view or on a printed document. If you use a picture, you can lighten, or wash it out, so that it doesn't interfere with document text. If you use text, you can select from built-in phrases, or enter your own.
----- Q wrote: ----
I am trying to get a colorful background in Word. I went
to Format and Background and selected one, but it only
shows up in the web layout view and when I print it
prints a plain white background. Can anyone help me
