250+ Best Watercolor Backgrounds (Pastel, Abstract, Watercolor Textures)

Watercolour backgrounds are a great readymade asset for designers of all kinds because they allow you to add interesting colour, texture and detail to your designs quickly and easily.

If you’re wondering how to make a watercolor background, wonder no more. Today we’ll share over 250 of the best backgrounds from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver.

Before we begin, if you’re looking for a watercolor background tutorial for Illustrator, check out this great tutorial below:

Unlimited Downloads at Envato Elements

Envato Elements is an amazing resource that offers tons of watercolor background images as well as other digital assets like graphic templates, mockups, logos, photos, fonts, and much more.

Unlimited Downloads at Envato ElementsUnlimited Downloads at Envato ElementsUnlimited Downloads at Envato Elements

What makes this service outstanding is that for one low monthly fee you can download as many of these digital assets as you like, as often as you like. Let’s take a look at some of the terrific watercolour backgrounds available from Envato Elements.

Crystallized Watercolor Background Images (JPG)

Crystallized Watercolor Background ImagesCrystallized Watercolor Background ImagesCrystallized Watercolor Background Images

Want to know how to make a watercolour background? Crystallized Watercolor Background Images offers a whopping 40 backgrounds that you can use to create stunning posters, phone cases, greeting cards, and any other project that catches your fancy.

8 Beach Watercolor Computer Wallpaper (PNG)

8 Beach Watercolor Computer Wallpaper8 Beach Watercolor Computer Wallpaper8 Beach Watercolor Computer Wallpaper

Whoever said life is a beach wasn’t kidding, and you just have to look at these eight gorgeous watercolour backgrounds inspired by the shore to understand what they mean.

Watercolor Gradient (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Watercolor GradientWatercolor GradientWatercolor Gradient

Watercolor Gradient offers 16 stunning Adobe Illustrator watercolor backgrounds you won’t be able to resist. Great for when you need an eye-catching background to showcase a product or create a presentation.

Cool Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG, PNG)

Cool Watercolor BackgroundsCool Watercolor BackgroundsCool Watercolor Backgrounds

Add some WOW factor to your projects with this gorgeous collection. You don’t have to know how to make a watercolor background when you have this resource in your pocket.

Spring Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Spring Watercolor BackgroundsSpring Watercolor BackgroundsSpring Watercolor Backgrounds

If you’re looking for an Adobe Illustrator watercolor background, this beautiful background is not only compatible with Illustrator but can also be used in Photoshop.

Background Image Watercolor (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Background Image WatercolorBackground Image WatercolorBackground Image Watercolor

Wondering how to make a watercolor background? Why, by using this stunning template of course. The pack contains 20 cool watercolor backgrounds and textures, 20 splatters, and 30 vector swatches that will keep you busy for hours.

Colorful Watercolor Background (AI, PSD, JPG)

Colorful Watercolor BackgroundColorful Watercolor BackgroundColorful Watercolor Background

Looking for terrific watercolor background ideas? Well you’re in the right place. Just look at this package of 16 different backgrounds. These Adobe Illustrator watercolor backgrounds will keep you inspired from one project to the next.

Cool Watercolor Background (JPG, PNG)

Cool Watercolor BackgroundCool Watercolor BackgroundCool Watercolor Background

With 16 different backgrounds to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice with this awesome template.

Summer Time Watercolor Background Ideas (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Summer Time Watercolor Background IdeasSummer Time Watercolor Background IdeasSummer Time Watercolor Background Ideas

Summer Time and the living is easy because you’ve just downloaded this terrific pack of hand-painted watercolor backgrounds. And the best part is they’re perfect for using with any editing program, without special requirements.

Colourful Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Colourful Watercolor BackgroundsColourful Watercolor BackgroundsColourful Watercolor Backgrounds

Inside this pack, you will find 30 handmade watercolor paint textures that will make you drool. They can be used as backgrounds for print or graphic design, as photo overlays, and as a mask to fill any shape or text.

Watercolor Background Image (JPG)

Watercolor Background ImageWatercolor Background ImageWatercolor Background Image

You won’t be able to resist these gorgeous watercolor backgrounds. They present a kaleidoscope of colours that work equally well for print or the web.

Background Image Watercolor (PNG)

Background Image WatercolorBackground Image WatercolorBackground Image Watercolor

Cool and modern, this stylish package offers loads of backgrounds and shapes to transform your projects from ‘yawn’ to ‘WOW’.

Digital Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, EPS, JPG, PNG, SVG)

Digital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor Backgrounds

Do you need a watercolor background tutorial for Illustrator, or do you need these cool watercolour backgrounds? With ten combinations to choose from, your hardest job will be deciding which background to use.

Watercolor Background Ideas (AI, JPG, PNG)

Watercolor Background IdeasWatercolor Background IdeasWatercolor Background Ideas

These 16 watercolor backgrounds are an excellent backdrop for a wide range of projects, from logos to presentations to art projects and more.

Watercolor Gradient (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Watercolor GradientWatercolor GradientWatercolor Gradient

Create watercolor backgrounds for Illustrator projects with this template, and have fun creating all sorts of cool results. The pack contains ten different backgrounds.

Watercolor Computer Wallpaper (AI, PNG)

Watercolor Computer WallpaperWatercolor Computer WallpaperWatercolor Computer Wallpaper

Add a dash of ethereal elegance to your next project with these amazing watercolour backgrounds. The pack contains 30 individual elements in total.

Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Watercolor BackgroundsWatercolor BackgroundsWatercolor Backgrounds

Black is always trendy, and this pack of 30 handmade watercolor paint textures explores that trendiness to the max. The backgrounds can be used for print or the web: the choice is yours.

Digital Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Digital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor Backgrounds

This set contains ten multicolored abstract watercolor backgrounds that offer an updated contemporary vibe. Want to know how to create a watercolor background? Use this pack and experiment to your heart’s content.

Background Image Watercolor (JPG, PNG)

Background Image WatercolorBackground Image WatercolorBackground Image Watercolor

If you love dreamy, you’ll love this collection of 14 different watercolour backgrounds. Use it to take your projects to the next level of dreaminess.

Winter Cool Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Winter Cool Watercolor BackgroundWinter Cool Watercolor BackgroundWinter Cool Watercolor Background

Twelve sumptuous watercolor backgrounds and all the time in the world equals stunning one-of-a-kind projects that leave your audiences speechless.

Colourful Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Colourful Watercolor BackgroundsColourful Watercolor BackgroundsColourful Watercolor Backgrounds

Isn’t she lovely? Well, yes, and so are the other nine watercolour backgrounds in this amazing pack.

Adobe Illustrator Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Adobe Ilustrator Watercolor BackgroundsAdobe Ilustrator Watercolor BackgroundsAdobe Ilustrator Watercolor Backgrounds

Adobe Illustrator watercolor backgrounds never looked as good as this set of 35 high-res backgrounds. From smooth and subtle to dark and complex, these backgrounds will transform your work with a few clicks of your mouse.

Coffee Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG, PNG)

Coffee Watercolor BackgroundsCoffee Watercolor BackgroundsCoffee Watercolor Backgrounds

If you think brown is boring, think again. This pack of 16 watercolor coffee backgrounds will blow your mind. Check them out, you’ll see.

Watercolor Gradient Backgrounds (JPG)

Watercolor Gradient BackgroundsWatercolor Gradient BackgroundsWatercolor Gradient Backgrounds

Looking for watercolor gradients? Well your look is over. Here are 16 amazing backgrounds waiting for you to download and put to good use.

10 Watercolor Background Images (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

10 Watercolor Background Images10 Watercolor Background Images10 Watercolor Background Images

These aren’t your average watercolour backgrounds. Rather, these ten backgrounds combine watercolour with textures that create the effect of floating in a kaleidoscope space.

Digital Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Digital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor Backgrounds

Looking for watercolor backgrounds that include the tactility of watercolour paper? Look no further. This pack of ten backgrounds is just what you’re looking for. They offer high quality and amazing photorealistic details.

Background Image Watercolor (JPG)

Background Image WatercolorBackground Image WatercolorBackground Image Watercolor

If you’re all about earthy vibes, you’ll love this collection of 30 handmade watercolour textures which have a wonderful organic feel you won’t be able to resist.

Colorful Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Colorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor Backgrounds

These 12 abstract backgrounds would fit in any of your projects, from posters to websites to phonecases. Check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

Digital Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Digital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor Backgrounds

This collection of ten colorful watercolor background images is designed to be easily placed and layered in with your work. The images offer ultra high resolution and thus can be resized and manipulated to fit with just about any project you have in mind.

Abstract Watercolor Backgrounds (AI, PSD, JPG, PNG)

Abstract Watercolor BackgroundsAbstract Watercolor BackgroundsAbstract Watercolor Backgrounds

These backgrounds are a bit of a departure from the ones we’ve showcased so far. That’s because they offer seamless hand-painted patterns in triangles, circles, dots, and leaves. Always good to shake things up from time to time, right?

Premium Downloads From GraphicRiver

GraphicRiver is another service that offers terrific watercolour background images and other premium digital assets, but it works a bit differently from Elements in that it offers single downloads for one low fee. This makes it a great choice for those on a budget.

Premium Downloads From GraphicRiverPremium Downloads From GraphicRiverPremium Downloads From GraphicRiver

Let’s take a look at some of the top-quality offerings there.

Colorful Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Colorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor Backgrounds

How incredible is this watercolour background? And there are 119 more where this one came from. You’ll be busy for hours just trying to decide which of these gems you want to use.

Watercolor Computer Wallpaper (JPG)

 Watercolor Computer Wallpaper Watercolor Computer Wallpaper Watercolor Computer Wallpaper

High-quality, gorgeous watercolor effect. What’s not to love? An excellent choice for web, apps, presentations, print templates, and wallpaper.

Watercolor Background Images (JPG)

Watercolor Background ImagesWatercolor Background ImagesWatercolor Background Images

If you’re looking for watercolour effects with a bit more gravitas, then this pack of ten abstract watercolor backgrounds is for you.

Watercolor Background Ideas (JPG)

https://graphicriver.net/item/colorful-watercolor-backgrounds/15346461https://graphicriver.net/item/colorful-watercolor-backgrounds/15346461https://graphicriver.net/item/colorful-watercolor-backgrounds/15346461

We have one idea of what watercolour looks like, but really the effect watercolour creates depends on the background it’s painted on, and of course on the intention of the painter. This pack of ten isn’t your typical watercolor look, but it sure is stunning.

Warm Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Warm Watercolor BackgroundsWarm Watercolor BackgroundsWarm Watercolor Backgrounds

This stylish wallpaper concept uses a cool abstract watercolor effect to create stunning backgrounds for a whole range of purposes, from print to web.

Digital Watercolor Backgrounds (JPG)

Digital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor BackgroundsDigital Watercolor Backgrounds

Offering the classic watercolor look, this terrific background includes paint block borders that are a terrific feature some will find irresistible.

Colorful Watercolor Backgrounds (EPS)

Colorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor BackgroundsColorful Watercolor Backgrounds

Colour, colour everywhere. That’s just what you get with this set of colourful watercolor backgrounds. They can be used as backgrounds for print or web projects, as photo overlays, and as a mask to fill any shape or text.

Background Image Watercolor (JPG)

Background Image WatercolorBackground Image WatercolorBackground Image Watercolor

Looking for a more sophisticated and delicate approach to watercolour? How about this set of 11 backgrounds? They will stun with their elegant simplicity.

Warm Watercolor Background Ideas (JPG)

Warm Watercolor Background IdeasWarm Watercolor Background IdeasWarm Watercolor Background Ideas

These 16 warm watercolor shades are an excellent choice for posters, apps, websites, and even wallpaper. Whether you’re looking for backgrounds to print or use on the internet, this collection is a great place to start.

Watercolor Background Images (JPG)

Watercolor Background ImagesWatercolor Background ImagesWatercolor Background Images

Check out this collection of five watercolour backgrounds that include the texture of the paper the colours were painted on. That’s a great asset when you need a background that creates an element of tactility.

Choose Your Favourite Watercolor Background

Now that you know just where to find the best watercolor backgrounds, head on over to Envato Elements and/or GraphicRiver and download your favourite today.

And if you are interested in learning how to create your own beautiful watercolour backgrounds and other resources, check out these super helpful articles below: