diff --git a/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/README.md b/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/README.md
index a42dcfc6f2..90d9586d50 100644
--- a/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/README.md
+++ b/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/README.md
@@ -87,8 +87,19 @@ Finally two vertical barcharts with different filling options are added:
     linearG.setColorAt(1, cl12);
     linearG.setCoordinateMode(QGradient::ObjectMode);
     graphBF->setFillGradient(linearG);
-    graphBF->setLineColor(Qt::transparent);```
+    graphBF->setLineColor(Qt::transparent);
+```
 
+In addition to the graph background properties, also the plot/widget/key backgrounds can be defined using a QBrush:
+
+```.cpp
+    // 7. set plot background with a gradient
+    QLinearGradient backGrad(QPointF(0, 0), QPointF(1, 1));
+    backGrad.setColorAt(0, QColor("salmon"));
+    backGrad.setColorAt(1, QColor("white"));
+    backGrad.setCoordinateMode(QGradient::ObjectMode);
+    plot.getPlotter()->setPlotBackgroundGradient(backGrad);
+```
 
 
 The result looks like this:
diff --git a/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.cpp b/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.cpp
index a47f3dd174..34d99e9593 100644
--- a/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.cpp
+++ b/examples/simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.cpp
@@ -138,17 +138,24 @@ int main(int argc, char* argv[])
     plot.addGraph(graphBE);
     plot.addGraph(graphBF);
 
-    // 7. set axis labels
+    // 7. set plot background with a gradient
+    QLinearGradient backGrad(QPointF(0, 0), QPointF(1, 1));
+    backGrad.setColorAt(0, QColor("salmon"));
+    backGrad.setColorAt(1, QColor("white"));
+    backGrad.setCoordinateMode(QGradient::ObjectMode);
+    plot.getPlotter()->setPlotBackgroundGradient(backGrad);
+
+    // 8. set axis labels
     plot.getXAxis()->setAxisLabel("x axis");
     plot.getYAxis()->setAxisLabel("y axis");
     plot.setGrid(true);
     plot.getPlotter()->setShowKey(false);
 
 
-    // 8. scale plot automatically
+    // 9. scale plot
     plot.setXY(0,11.9,-2.5,5.5);
 
-    // 9. show plotter and make it a decent size
+    // 10. show plotter and make it a decent size
     plot.show();
     plot.resize(600,600);
 
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.cpp b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.cpp
index d0e34ed590..214f54657c 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.cpp
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.cpp
@@ -1079,18 +1079,13 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::drawKey(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter) {
             // save old brushes and pens
             painter.save(); auto __finalpaint=JKQTPFinally([&painter]() {painter.restore();});
             QPen pf=painter.pen();
-            QBrush bf=painter.brush();
             pf.setColor(plotterStyle.keyStyle.frameColor);
             pf.setWidthF(qMax(JKQTPlotterDrawinTools::ABS_MIN_LINEWIDTH, pt2px(painter, plotterStyle.keyStyle.frameWidth*lineWidthMultiplier)));
             pf.setStyle(Qt::SolidLine);
-            bf.setColor(plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundColor);
-            bf.setStyle(Qt::SolidPattern);
-            painter.setBrush(bf);
+
+            painter.setBrush(plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush);
             if (!plotterStyle.keyStyle.frameVisible) {
-                QPen pff=pf;
-                pff.setColor(plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundColor);
-                pff.setWidthF(JKQTPlotterDrawinTools::ABS_MIN_LINEWIDTH);
-                painter.setPen(pff);
+                painter.setPen(Qt::NoPen);
             } else {
                 painter.setPen(pf);
             }
@@ -1149,8 +1144,8 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::drawPlot(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter, bool showOverlays)
     // draw background
     {
         painter.save(); auto __finalpaint=JKQTPFinally([&painter]() {painter.restore();});
-        painter.setPen(plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor);
-        if (plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor!=Qt::transparent) painter.fillRect(QRectF(0,0,widgetWidth/paintMagnification, widgetHeight/paintMagnification), QBrush(plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor));
+        painter.setPen(Qt::NoPen);
+        if (plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush!=QBrush(Qt::transparent)) painter.fillRect(QRectF(0,0,widgetWidth/paintMagnification, widgetHeight/paintMagnification), plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush);
     }
     QRectF rPlotBack(internalPlotBorderLeft, internalPlotBorderTop, internalPlotWidth, internalPlotHeight);
     painter.setRenderHint(JKQTPEnhancedPainter::NonCosmeticDefaultPen, true);
@@ -1161,7 +1156,7 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::drawPlot(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter, bool showOverlays)
         QPen p(plotterStyle.plotFrameColor);
         p.setWidthF(qMax(JKQTPlotterDrawinTools::ABS_MIN_LINEWIDTH, pt2px(painter, plotterStyle.plotFrameWidth*lineWidthMultiplier)));
         painter.setPen(p);
-        painter.setBrush(QBrush(plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor));
+        painter.setBrush(plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush);
         if (plotterStyle.plotFrameRounding<=0) {
             painter.drawRect(rPlotBack);
         } else {
@@ -1170,10 +1165,8 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::drawPlot(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter, bool showOverlays)
 
     } else {
         painter.save(); auto __finalpaint=JKQTPFinally([&painter]() {painter.restore();});
-        painter.setBrush(QBrush(plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor));
-        QPen p(plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor);
-        p.setWidthF(0);
-        painter.setPen(p);
+        painter.setBrush(plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush);
+        painter.setPen(Qt::NoPen);
         if (plotterStyle.plotFrameRounding<=0) {
             painter.drawRect(rPlotBack);
         } else {
@@ -1342,16 +1335,16 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::gridPaint(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter, QSizeF pageRect,
     } else {
 
         QList<double> fsm, lwm, pm;
-        QList<QColor> backg;
+        QList<QBrush> backg;
         for (int i=0; i< gridPrintingList.size(); i++) {
             fsm.append(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getFontSizeMultiplier());
             lwm.append(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getLineWidthMultiplier());
             pm.append(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getPaintMagnification());
-            backg.append(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getExportBackgroundColor());
+            backg.append(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getExportBackgroundBrush());
             gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setFontSizeMultiplier(fontSizeMultiplier);
             gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setLineWidthMultiplier(lineWidthMultiplier);
             gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setPaintMagnification(paintMagnification);
-            gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setBackgroundColor(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getExportBackgroundColor());
+            gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setBackgroundBrush(gridPrintingList[i].plotter->getExportBackgroundBrush());
             gridPrintingList[i].plotter->calcPlotScaling(painter);
         }
         gridPrintingCalc(); // ensure the grid plot has been calculated
@@ -1404,7 +1397,7 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::gridPaint(JKQTPEnhancedPainter& painter, QSizeF pageRect,
                 gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setFontSizeMultiplier(fsm[i]);
                 gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setLineWidthMultiplier(lwm[i]);
                 gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setPaintMagnification(pm[i]);
-                gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setBackgroundColor(backg[i]);
+                gridPrintingList[i].plotter->setBackgroundBrush(backg[i]);
                 gridPrintingList[i].plotter->redrawPlot();
             }
         }
@@ -1517,8 +1510,8 @@ bool JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewNew(QPaintDevice* paintDevice, bool setAbsolut
     double lw=lineWidthMultiplier;
     double fs=fontSizeMultiplier;
     double oldP=paintMagnification;
-    QColor bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor;
+    QBrush bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lineWidthPrintMultiplier;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fontSizePrintMultiplier;
     exportPreviewLabel=nullptr;
@@ -1722,7 +1715,7 @@ bool JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewNew(QPaintDevice* paintDevice, bool setAbsolut
     printPreview=nullptr;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lw;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fs;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=bc;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=bc;
     paintMagnification=oldP;
 
     mathText.setUseUnparsed(false);
@@ -1925,8 +1918,8 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::updatePreviewLabel() {
 void JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewPaintRequested(QPrinter* printer) {
     double lw=lineWidthMultiplier;
     double fs=fontSizeMultiplier;
-    QColor bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor;
+    QBrush bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lineWidthPrintMultiplier;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fontSizePrintMultiplier;
 
@@ -1993,7 +1986,7 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewPaintRequested(QPrinter* printer) {
     lineWidthMultiplier=lw;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fs;
     paintMagnification=oldpm;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=bc;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=bc;
 
 }
 
@@ -2012,8 +2005,8 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewPaintRequestedNew(QPaintDevice *paintDevice)
 
     double lw=lineWidthMultiplier;
     double fs=fontSizeMultiplier;
-    QColor bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor;
+    QBrush bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lineWidthPrintMultiplier;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fontSizePrintMultiplier;
 
@@ -2095,14 +2088,14 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewPaintRequestedNew(QPaintDevice *paintDevice)
     lineWidthMultiplier=lw;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fs;
     paintMagnification=oldpm;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=bc;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=bc;
 }
 
 void JKQTBasePlotter::exportpreviewPaintRequested(JKQTPEnhancedPainter &painter, QSize size) {
     double lw=lineWidthMultiplier;
     double fs=fontSizeMultiplier;
-    QColor bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor;
+    QBrush bc=plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lineWidthPrintMultiplier;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fontSizePrintMultiplier;
     bool oldEmitPlotSignals=emitPlotSignals;
@@ -2122,7 +2115,7 @@ void JKQTBasePlotter::exportpreviewPaintRequested(JKQTPEnhancedPainter &painter,
     emitPlotSignals=oldEmitPlotSignals;
     lineWidthMultiplier=lw;
     fontSizeMultiplier=fs;
-    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor=bc;
+    plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=bc;
 }
 
 void JKQTBasePlotter::printpreviewSetZoom(double value) {
@@ -2489,33 +2482,48 @@ double JKQTBasePlotter::getGraphWidth() const
 
 void JKQTBasePlotter::setBackgroundColor(const QColor &__value)
 {
-    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor != __value) {
-        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor = __value;
+    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
         redrawPlot();
     }
 }
 
 QColor JKQTBasePlotter::getBackgroundColor() const
 {
-    return this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundColor;
+    return this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush.color();
 }
 
 void JKQTBasePlotter::setExportBackgroundColor(const QColor &__value)
 {
-    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor != __value) {
-        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor = __value;
+    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
         redrawPlot();
     }
 }
 
 QColor JKQTBasePlotter::getExportBackgroundColor() const
 {
-    return this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundColor;
+    return this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush.color();
 }
 
 QColor JKQTBasePlotter::getPlotBackgroundColor() const
 {
-    return this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor;
+    return this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush.color();
+}
+
+QBrush JKQTBasePlotter::getBackgroundBrush() const
+{
+    return this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush;
+}
+
+QBrush JKQTBasePlotter::getExportBackgroundBrush() const
+{
+    return this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush;
+}
+
+QBrush JKQTBasePlotter::getPlotBackgroundBrush() const
+{
+    return this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush;
 }
 
 
@@ -2703,14 +2711,47 @@ QColor JKQTBasePlotter::getKeyFrameColor() const
     return this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.frameColor;
 }
 
-void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundColor(const QColor &__value)
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundColor(const QColor &__value, Qt::BrushStyle __style)
 {
-    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundColor != __value) {
-        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundColor = __value;
+    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush != QBrush(__value, __style)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush = QBrush(__value, __style);
         redrawPlot();
     }
 }
 
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundBrush(const QBrush &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush != __value) {
+        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush = __value;
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundGradient(const QGradient &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush = QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundTexture(const QImage &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush = QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush = QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+
 void JKQTBasePlotter::setKeyFrameWidth(double __value)
 {
     if (this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.frameWidth != __value) {
@@ -2856,13 +2897,115 @@ QString JKQTBasePlotter::getPlotLabel() const
 
 QColor JKQTBasePlotter::getKeyBackgroundColor() const
 {
-    return this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundColor;
+    return this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush.color();
+}
+
+QBrush JKQTBasePlotter::getKeyBackgroundBrush() const
+{
+    return this->plotterStyle.keyStyle.backgroundBrush;
 }
 
 void JKQTBasePlotter::setPlotBackgroundColor(const QColor &__value)
 {
-    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor != __value) {
-        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundColor = __value;
+    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setBackgroundBrush(const QBrush &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush != (__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setExportBackgroundBrush(const QBrush &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush != (__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush=(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setPlotBackgroundBrush(const QBrush &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush != (__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush=(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setBackgroundGradient(const QGradient &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setExportBackgroundGradient(const QGradient &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setPlotBackgroundGradient(const QGradient &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setExportBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setPlotBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setBackgroundTexture(const QImage &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setExportBackgroundTexture(const QImage &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.exportBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
+        redrawPlot();
+    }
+}
+
+void JKQTBasePlotter::setPlotBackgroundTexture(const QImage &__value)
+{
+    if (this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush != QBrush(__value)) {
+        this->plotterStyle.plotBackgroundBrush=QBrush(__value);
         redrawPlot();
     }
 }
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.h b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.h
index c8d3cdb0b5..248985a8e4 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.h
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotter.h
@@ -683,12 +683,18 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTBasePlotter: public QObject {
         bool isUsingAntiAliasingForText() const;
         /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle:defaultGraphWidth:  */
         double getGraphWidth() const;
-        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundColor  */
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush  */
         QColor getBackgroundColor() const;
-        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundColor  */
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush  */
         QColor getExportBackgroundColor() const;
-        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundColor  */
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush  */
         QColor getPlotBackgroundColor() const;
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush  */
+        QBrush getBackgroundBrush() const;
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush  */
+        QBrush getExportBackgroundBrush() const;
+        /** \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush  */
+        QBrush getPlotBackgroundBrush() const;
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::fontSize */
         double getKeyFontSize() const;
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::itemWidth */
@@ -715,8 +721,11 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTBasePlotter: public QObject {
         bool getShowKeyFrame() const;
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::frameColor */
         QColor getKeyFrameColor() const;
-        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundColor */
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
         QColor getKeyBackgroundColor() const;
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        QBrush getKeyBackgroundBrush() const;
+
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::textColor */
         QColor getKeyTextColor() const;
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::frameWidth */
@@ -1611,12 +1620,36 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTBasePlotter: public QObject {
         void setUseAntiAliasingForText(bool __value);
         /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::defaultGraphWidth */
         void setGraphWidth(double __value);
-        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundColor */
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush */
         void setBackgroundColor(const QColor & __value);
-        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundColor */
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush */
         void setExportBackgroundColor(const QColor & __value);
-        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundColor */
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush */
         void setPlotBackgroundColor(const QColor & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush */
+        void setBackgroundBrush(const QBrush & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush */
+        void setExportBackgroundBrush(const QBrush & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush */
+        void setPlotBackgroundBrush(const QBrush & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush */
+        void setBackgroundGradient(const QGradient & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush */
+        void setExportBackgroundGradient(const QGradient & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush */
+        void setPlotBackgroundGradient(const QGradient & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush */
+        void setBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush */
+        void setExportBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush */
+        void setPlotBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::widgetBackgroundBrush */
+        void setBackgroundTexture(const QImage & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::exportBackgroundBrush */
+        void setExportBackgroundTexture(const QImage & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTBasePlotterStyle::plotBackgroundBrush */
+        void setPlotBackgroundTexture(const QImage & __value);
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::textColor */
         void setKeyTextColor(const QColor & __value);
 
@@ -1657,8 +1690,16 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTBasePlotter: public QObject {
         void setShowKeyFrame(bool __value);
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::frameColor */
         void setKeyFrameColor(const QColor & __value);
-        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundColor */
-        void setKeyBackgroundColor(const QColor & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        void setKeyBackgroundColor(const QColor & __value, Qt::BrushStyle __style);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        void setKeyBackgroundBrush(const QBrush & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        void setKeyBackgroundGradient(const QGradient & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        void setKeyBackgroundTexture(const QImage & __value);
+        /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::backgroundBrush */
+        void setKeyBackgroundTexture(const QPixmap & __value);
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::frameWidth */
         void setKeyFrameWidth(double __value);
         /*! \copydoc JKQTPKeyStyle::frameRounding */
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.cpp b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.cpp
index 4b011eb4f6..eb7a68ef6d 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.cpp
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.cpp
@@ -15,9 +15,9 @@ JKQTBasePlotterStyle::JKQTBasePlotterStyle():
     defaultGraphWidth(2),
     defaultGraphSymbolSize(10),
     defaultGraphSymbolLineWidth(1),
-    widgetBackgroundColor(QApplication::palette().color(QPalette::Window)),
-    exportBackgroundColor(QColor("white")),
-    plotBackgroundColor(QColor("white")),
+    widgetBackgroundBrush(QApplication::palette().color(QPalette::Window)),
+    exportBackgroundBrush(QColor("white")),
+    plotBackgroundBrush(QColor("white")),
     plotFrameColor(QColor("black")),
     plotFrameWidth(2),
     plotFrameRounding(0),
@@ -69,9 +69,9 @@ void JKQTBasePlotterStyle::loadSettings(const QSettings &settings, const QString
     debugRegionLineWidth=settings.value(group+"debug_region_linewidth", defaultStyle.debugRegionLineWidth).toDouble();
     plotLabelFontName=settings.value(group+"plot_label_font_name", defaultStyle.plotLabelFontName).toString();
     plotLabelFontSize=settings.value(group+"plot_label_font_size", defaultStyle.debugRegionLineWidth).toDouble();
-    widgetBackgroundColor=jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"widget_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.widgetBackgroundColor)).toString());
-    exportBackgroundColor=jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"widget_background_color_for_export", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.exportBackgroundColor)).toString());
-    plotBackgroundColor=jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"plot_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.plotBackgroundColor)).toString());
+    widgetBackgroundBrush=QBrush(jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"widget_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.widgetBackgroundBrush.color())).toString()));
+    exportBackgroundBrush=QBrush(jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"widget_background_color_for_export", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.exportBackgroundBrush.color())).toString()));
+    plotBackgroundBrush=QBrush(jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"plot_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.plotBackgroundBrush.color())).toString()));
     plotFrameColor=jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"plot_frame_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.plotFrameColor)).toString());
     plotFrameWidth=settings.value(group+"plot_frame_width", defaultStyle.plotFrameWidth).toDouble();
     plotFrameVisible=settings.value(group+"plot_frame_visible", defaultStyle.plotFrameVisible).toBool();
@@ -171,9 +171,9 @@ void JKQTBasePlotterStyle::saveSettings(QSettings &settings, const QString &grou
     settings.setValue(group+"antialiase_system", useAntiAliasingForSystem);
     settings.setValue(group+"antialiase_graphs", useAntiAliasingForGraphs);
     settings.setValue(group+"antialiase_text", useAntiAliasingForText);
-    settings.setValue(group+"widget_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(widgetBackgroundColor));
-    settings.setValue(group+"widget_background_color_for_export", jkqtp_QColor2String(exportBackgroundColor));
-    settings.setValue(group+"plot_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(plotBackgroundColor));
+    settings.setValue(group+"widget_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(widgetBackgroundBrush.color()));
+    settings.setValue(group+"widget_background_color_for_export", jkqtp_QColor2String(exportBackgroundBrush.color()));
+    settings.setValue(group+"plot_background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(plotBackgroundBrush.color()));
     settings.setValue(group+"plot_border_left", plotBorderLeft);
     settings.setValue(group+"plot_border_right", plotBorderRight);
     settings.setValue(group+"plot_border_top", plotBorderTop);
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.h b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.h
index 943e7ccce4..73a17d4b64 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.h
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpbaseplotterstyle.h
@@ -111,11 +111,11 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTBasePlotterStyle {
         /** \brief with (in pt) of symbol lines used for newly added graphs */
         double defaultGraphSymbolLineWidth;
         /** \brief color of the background of the plot (widget area) when drawing (to the screen) */
-        QColor widgetBackgroundColor;
+        QBrush widgetBackgroundBrush;
         /** \brief color of the background of the plot (widget area) when exporting*/
-        QColor exportBackgroundColor;
+        QBrush exportBackgroundBrush;
         /** \brief color of the plot's background (i.e. of the area within the coordinate axes rectangle) */
-        QColor plotBackgroundColor;
+        QBrush plotBackgroundBrush;
         /** \brief if \c plotFrameVisible==true, JKQTBasePlotter will draw a rectangle/frame around the plot in this color */
         QColor plotFrameColor;
         /** \brief if \c plotFrameVisible==true, JKQTBasePlotter will draw a rectangle/frame around the plot in this width [pt] */
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpgraphsbase.cpp b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpgraphsbase.cpp
index 7bf2b93606..6e4a332443 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpgraphsbase.cpp
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpgraphsbase.cpp
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ JKQTPGraph::JKQTPGraph(JKQTPlotter *parent):
 QImage JKQTPPlotElement::generateKeyMarker(QSize size)
 {
     QImage img(size.width(),size.height(),QImage::Format_ARGB32);
-    if (parent) img.fill(parent->getKeyBackgroundColor());
+    if (parent) img.fill(Qt::transparent);//->getKeyBackgroundColor());
     {
         JKQTPEnhancedPainter painter(&img);
         painter.setRenderHint(QPainter::Antialiasing, true);
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.cpp b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.cpp
index 748ced902b..b4c25172fc 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.cpp
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ JKQTPKeyStyle::JKQTPKeyStyle():
     frameColor(QColor("black")),
     frameWidth(1),
     frameRounding(0),
-    backgroundColor(QColor("white")),
+    backgroundBrush(QColor("white")),
     visible(true),
     fontSize(9),
     textColor(QColor("black")),
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ void JKQTPKeyStyle::loadSettings(const QSettings &settings, const QString &group
     frameWidth = settings.value(group+"frame_width", defaultStyle.frameWidth).toDouble();
     frameRounding = settings.value(group+"frame_rounding", defaultStyle.frameRounding).toDouble();
     frameVisible = settings.value(group+"frame_visible", defaultStyle.frameVisible).toBool();
-    backgroundColor = jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.backgroundColor)).toString());
+    backgroundBrush = QBrush(jkqtp_String2QColor(settings.value(group+"background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(defaultStyle.backgroundBrush.color())).toString()));
     visible = settings.value(group+"visible", defaultStyle.visible).toBool();
     position = String2JKQTPKeyPosition(settings.value(group+"position", JKQTPKeyPosition2String(defaultStyle.position)).toString());
     layout =  String2JKQTPKeyLayout(settings.value(group+"layout", JKQTPKeyLayout2String(defaultStyle.layout)).toString());
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ void JKQTPKeyStyle::saveSettings(QSettings &settings, const QString &group) cons
     settings.setValue(group+"frame_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(frameColor));
     settings.setValue(group+"frame_width", frameWidth);
     settings.setValue(group+"frame_rounding", frameRounding);
-    settings.setValue(group+"background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(backgroundColor));
+    settings.setValue(group+"background_color", jkqtp_QColor2String(backgroundBrush.color()));
     settings.setValue(group+"visible", visible);
     settings.setValue(group+"position", JKQTPKeyPosition2String(position));
     settings.setValue(group+"layout", JKQTPKeyLayout2String(layout));
diff --git a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.h b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.h
index f3de283fb6..201f0e1e89 100644
--- a/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.h
+++ b/lib/jkqtplotter/jkqtpkeystyle.h
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ class JKQTP_LIB_EXPORT JKQTPKeyStyle  {
         /** \brief rounding radius of the key frame rectangle (<=0 -> no rounded rectangle) [pt] */
         double frameRounding;
         /** \brief color of the key background */
-        QColor backgroundColor;
+        QBrush backgroundBrush;
         /** \brief indicates whether to plot a key */
         bool visible;
         /** \brief font size for key labels [in points] */
diff --git a/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.png b/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.png
index 676caa4047..fdeab6e39f 100644
Binary files a/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.png and b/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling.png differ
diff --git a/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling_small.png b/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling_small.png
index b9c8885e0e..6a3c91e536 100644
Binary files a/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling_small.png and b/screenshots/jkqtplotter_simpletest_advancedlineandfillstyling_small.png differ