Is it possible to change the background color of the Revit workspace?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes, you can change the background color of the Revit workspace using Options in the standard Revit interface settings. The most common professional method is to adjust the Colors setting under Graphics. However, this only changes certain workspace backgrounds, not every interface panel in Revit.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Changing the revit background color can reduce visibility for selection highlights, thin lines, or imported CAD files if you choose a color with poor contrast. In some office standards, custom background colors may also make screenshots and training support less consistent.

How to Change the Background Color in Revit

  • Command: Options

  • Shortcut: No default keyboard shortcut

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Go to File tab > Options.
    2. In the Options dialog, open Graphics from the left panel.
    3. Under Colors, change the Background option, then click OK.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Graphics > Colors > Background

  • Expert Setting: This setting controls the drawing area background color in Revit views. Choosing a darker or lighter background affects contrast for model edges, temporary dimensions, and selection colors, so it should match your team’s display and plotting workflow.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): Some model elements, imported linework, or linked content may become hard to see if their display colors are too close to the new background color.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Imported DWG files often retain their own color behavior, so linework may appear faded or nearly invisible against a changed background.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The background color setting does not change every Revit interface area, such as all dialogs, Ribbon panels, or some visual style effects.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Go back to File > Options > Graphics and switch the Background setting to a higher-contrast color that improves visibility for selections and imported CAD data.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use a custom background color only if it improves daily visibility and reduces eye strain. In shared production environments, keep background settings consistent across the team for easier support and review.

FAQ

Can I make Revit use a black background?
Yes, if your revit version includes that background color option in graphics settings.

Does changing the Revit background affect printing?
No, the workspace background color does not control printed output.

Why do imported DWG lines look different after changing the background?
Because imported CAD colors may have poor contrast against the new Revit workspace background.

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