diff --git a/common/kiface_i.cpp b/common/kiface_i.cpp
index 3693d1998d..42d7799597 100644
--- a/common/kiface_i.cpp
+++ b/common/kiface_i.cpp
@@ -123,6 +123,11 @@ bool KIFACE_I::start_common( int aCtlBits )
 
 void KIFACE_I::end_common()
 {
+    /* Save common preferences; the background still uses the old legacy
+     * color numbers, not the new names */
+    m_bm.m_config->Write( showPageLimitsKey, g_ShowPageLimits );
+    m_bm.m_config->Write( backgroundColorKey, int( g_DrawBgColor ) );
+
     m_bm.End();
 }