How Do I Change the Background in WordPress Elementor?

Changing the background in Elementor is a fundamental way to customize the visual appeal of your WordPress website, allowing you to set unique backgrounds for sections, columns, and even individual widgets. You can use various types of backgrounds, including classic images, solid colors, gradients, videos, and slideshows.

Changing Section Backgrounds in Elementor

Sections are the largest containers in Elementor, and their backgrounds often define the overall look of a page segment.

Step-by-Step: Classic Background (Image or Color)

To set a classic background, which can be either a static image or a solid color, follow these steps:

Select the Section: In your Elementor editor, hover over the section you wish to modify. A blue border will appear around it, along with a handle in the top-middle. Click on the Section Settings handle (the six dots) to enter the Section Settings panel on the left.
Navigate to Style Tab: In the left-hand panel, go to the Style tab.
Access Background Settings: Within the Style tab, find the Background option and expand it.
Choose Background Type: Set the Background Type to Classic.
Set Image or Color:
- For an Image: Under the Image option, click the + sign. This will open your WordPress Media Library. Choose an existing image or upload a new one, then click Insert Media.
  - Pro Tip: After choosing your image, you can further customize its appearance using settings like Position (e.g., Center Center, Top Right), Attachment (Scroll or Fixed/Parallax), Repeat (No-repeat, Repeat), and Size (Default, Cover, Contain, Auto).
- For a Color: Click the color picker next to the Color option. Choose a solid color using the palette or input a specific hexadecimal code.

Gradient Background

Gradient backgrounds allow for a smooth transition between two or more colors, adding depth and modern aesthetics.

Follow steps 1-3 above.
Set the Background Type to Gradient.
Choose your First Color and Second Color using the color pickers.
Adjust the Location for each color to control their spread.
Select the Type (Linear or Radial) and Angle (for Linear) or Position (for Radial) to define the gradient's direction and shape.

Video Background

Video backgrounds are excellent for creating dynamic and engaging sections.

Follow steps 1-3 above.
Set the Background Type to Video.
Insert Video Link:
- If using a self-hosted video, click the Upload Video button to upload an MP4 file from your Media Library.
- For external videos, paste the YouTube or Vimeo URL into the Video Link field.
Optionally, set a Start Time and End Time for the video.
Upload a Background Fallback image. This image will display if the video fails to load or on mobile devices where video backgrounds are often disabled for performance reasons.

Background Slideshow

A background slideshow cycles through multiple images, ideal for showcasing a portfolio or multiple product shots.

Follow steps 1-3 above.
Set the Background Type to Slideshow.
Click the + button under Images to select multiple images from your Media Library.
Configure the Transition effect (e.g., Fade, Slide Left), Duration of each slide, and Background Fallback image.
You can also choose to apply a Ken Burns effect for subtle zoom and pan animations.

Modifying Column Backgrounds

Columns are nested within sections and allow for more granular design control. The process for changing a column's background is very similar to sections:

Select the Column: Hover over the column and click the Column Settings handle (the gray icon with three vertical dots) at the top.
Navigate to Style Tab: Go to the Style tab in the Elementor panel.
Access Background Settings: Expand the Background option.
Choose your Background Type (Classic, Gradient, Video, Slideshow) and apply your desired image, color, or video following the same principles as with sections.

Customizing Widget Backgrounds

Individual widgets can also have their own backgrounds, providing even finer design flexibility. This is especially useful for call-to-action buttons, info boxes, or specific text blocks.

Select the Widget: Click directly on the widget you want to modify.
Navigate to Style Tab: In the Elementor panel, go to the Style tab.
Access Background Settings: Expand the Background option. Note: Not all widgets will have a 'Background' option directly under their main 'Style' tab. For some, you might find it under a specific sub-section or the 'Advanced' tab.
Choose your Background Type (Classic, Gradient) and apply your settings. Video and Slideshow backgrounds are less common for individual widgets but can sometimes be achieved through advanced custom CSS or specific widget functionalities.

Background Overlays for Enhanced Design

Elementor also allows you to add background overlays, which are layers of color, gradients, or images placed over your primary background. Overlays are perfect for:

Improving text readability on busy background images (by adding a semi-transparent color overlay).
Creating unique visual effects with blend modes.

To add a background overlay:

Select the Section or Column (overlays are typically applied here).
Go to the Style tab.
Expand the Background Overlay option.
Choose your Background Type (Classic or Gradient) and apply your desired image, color, or gradient.
Adjust the Opacity to control its transparency and select a Blend Mode (e.g., Multiply, Screen, Overlay) for creative effects.

Best Practices for Elementor Backgrounds

Image Optimization: Always use optimized images to ensure fast loading times. Compress images before uploading.
Mobile Responsiveness: Check how your backgrounds appear on different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile) using Elementor's responsive mode viewer. Adjust background settings (e.g., Size: Contain for mobile images) as needed.
Contrast for Readability: Ensure there's sufficient contrast between your background and the text or elements placed on top of it. Use background overlays to help with this.
Consistency: While unique backgrounds are great, maintain some consistency in your design language across the site.
Fallback Images: Always provide a Background Fallback image for video slideshow backgrounds to ensure a good user experience even if the primary media doesn't load.

Elementor Background Options Overview

Here's a quick reference for common background options in Elementor:

Element Type	Background Types Supported	Typical Location	Key Settings
Section	Classic (Image/Color), Gradient, Video, Slideshow, Background Overlay	Style > Background	Position, Attachment, Repeat, Size, Opacity, Blend Mode, Fallback Image
Column	Classic (Image/Color), Gradient, Video, Slideshow, Background Overlay	Style > Background	Position, Attachment, Repeat, Size, Opacity, Blend Mode, Fallback Image
Widget	Classic (Image/Color), Gradient	Style > Background (or Advanced)	Position, Attachment, Repeat, Size, Opacity

By mastering these background customization options, you can create visually stunning and engaging layouts in Elementor. For more detailed information, refer to the official Elementor documentation on backgrounds.