Adding Custom Backgrounds for a Unique Look

Adding custom backgrounds to your Wix website is one of the most impactful ways to personalize your site and make it stand out. Backgrounds help set the tone, draw attention to certain areas, and create a cohesive brand experience. This guide will walk you through adding custom backgrounds in Wix, including different ways to apply backgrounds to your whole site or specific sections, along with tips on how to optimize them for an attractive, functional design.

Why Custom Backgrounds Matter

Your website background is like a blank canvas that impacts everything layered on top of it. Choosing the right background can enhance readability, focus attention, and create a mood that aligns with your brand. For example, a vibrant background might work well for a fashion blog, while a neutral, minimal background could benefit a professional consulting website. Custom backgrounds can make your website look polished and professional while supporting your brand's unique personality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Custom Backgrounds in Wix

Step 1: Prepare Your Background Image or Video

Before uploading, make sure your background file is ready:

1. Image Backgrounds: Use high-resolution images (recommended 1920 x 1080 pixels for full-screen backgrounds) that complement your design without overpowering text and other content.

2. Video Backgrounds: If you plan to use video, keep it short (5-10 seconds) and optimized for web. Use formats like MP4 to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.

3. Image Editing: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation before uploading to make sure it complements your content. Tools like Canva, Photoshop, or free online editors can help optimize images.

Step 2: Access the Background Settings in Wix

1. Log into Your Wix Account: Open your website in the editor.

2. Select the Background Area: Click on the empty background area of your page or section. This will bring up the Background menu on the right side of the editor.

3. Choose "Change Background": In the Background menu, click "Change Background" to explore options for image, video, and color backgrounds.

Step 3: Upload and Apply a Custom Background Image or Video

1. Select an Image or Video Background: In the Media Manager, click “Upload Media” to add your image or video background file. Alternatively, you can choose from Wix’s library of free stock images and videos.

2. Position and Scale: Once your background is applied, you can use Wix’s “Position and Scale” settings to adjust how it appears on the page. You can select “Fill Screen”, “Tile”, or “Fit to Page” depending on the layout and effect you want.

3. Apply Across Multiple Pages (Optional): To keep a consistent look, you can apply the same background to multiple pages. Just select “Apply to Other Pages” in the background settings.

Step 4: Add Backgrounds to Specific Sections

To add variety and visual interest, you can use different backgrounds for individual sections:

1. Add a Strip: From the left-hand “Add” menu, select “Strip” to create a new section on the page. Strips are flexible containers where you can add text, images, and other elements.

2. Change the Strip Background: After adding a strip, click on it and select “Change Strip Background”. Choose a custom color, image, or video to apply just to that strip.

3. Adjust Opacity and Overlay: To ensure your strip background doesn’t overpower text, adjust opacity or add a colored overlay. This is especially helpful if you’re using a bright or busy background image.

Step 5: Test Backgrounds on Different Devices

1. Switch to Mobile View: In the Wix editor, click “Switch to Mobile” to see how your background looks on mobile devices.

2. Adjust for Mobile: Sometimes, large images or video backgrounds may look too busy on mobile. Wix allows you to customize mobile backgrounds separately, such as using a solid color or simplified image for faster loading.

3. Preview Across Screens: Use the “Preview” mode to test your background on both desktop and mobile to ensure readability and design consistency.

Tips for Creating Effective Custom Backgrounds

1. Choose High-Quality, Relevant Backgrounds: High-quality visuals make your site look polished. Select backgrounds that align with your brand message or website theme.

2. Balance Contrast with Text: If your background image or video is too bright or busy, it can make text difficult to read. To improve readability, you can add an overlay or choose lighter, subtler backgrounds.

3. Use Backgrounds Sparingly: It’s easy to overwhelm a site with background images and videos. Instead of using a custom background on every section, reserve them for headers, footers, or key sections to keep the design clean and focused.

4. Stay Consistent with Brand Colors: If you’re using color backgrounds, select hues that are in line with your brand’s color palette. This consistency helps reinforce your brand identity.

Customizing backgrounds in Wix allows you to bring personality to your site and provide visitors with a memorable visual experience. Whether you use high-quality images, subtle videos, or carefully chosen colors, backgrounds can be a powerful tool in your website design toolkit. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create custom backgrounds that not only enhance your design but also support your brand’s unique identity.