How to Change Text Color in Word

Enhancing your documents often requires knowing how to change text color in Word, a formatting skill that adds clarity and visual appeal. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step explanation on how to change text color in Word using the built-in Font Color tool.

Table of Contents:

📝 Why Change Text Color in Word?

Changing the text color in Microsoft Word is a simple yet powerful way to:

• Highlight key information to make your message stand out.

• Improve readability by establishing clear visual hierarchy.

• Enhance the look and professionalism of academic papers, business documents, and reports.

• Align with company branding or design themes for a consistent appearance.

• Create eye-catching resumes, letters, and proposals that leave a strong impression.

• Add creativity and flair to projects or presentations.

• Or simply emphasize important points to guide reader’s attention.

✅ Steps to Change Text Color in Word

Step 1: Open Your Microsoft Word Document

Launch Microsoft Word and open the document in which you wish to change the text color. You may work with an existing file or create a new document to apply custom font colors.

👉 Verify that the document is not in read-only mode or protected, as these conditions may limit editing functionality.

Step 2: Select the Text to Change Color

Precisely select the text you intend to modify. This can be done by dragging the cursor over the desired text or by using keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl + A (or Cmd + A on Mac) to select the entire content.

Step 3: Identify the Font Color Icon

Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. Within the Font group, locate the Font Color icon, represented by a capital letter “A” with a colored underline showing the currently applied font color.

Step 4: Open the Font Color Palette

Click the dropdown arrow beside the Font Color icon to reveal the color palette, which features:

• Theme Colors: Harmonized with the current document theme,
• Standard Colors: Basic color options for quick application, 
• More Colors: Advanced color selection option for custom colors, and
• Gradient.

Step 5: Choose a Desired Font Color

Select your preferred color by clicking on any color swatch in the palette. The chosen font color will be applied immediately to the highlighted text.

Step 6 (Optional): Customize Font Color Using RGB or HEX Codes

For more precise control, especially when matching specific branding colors:

• Select More Colors from the dropdown menu.

• Switch to the Custom tab in the dialog box.

• Enter the desired RGB values or HEX color code.

• Confirm by clicking OK to apply the custom font color.

🔀 How to Reset Text Color to Default in Word?

• Highlight the colored text.

• Open the Font Color dropdown.

• Select Automatic to restore the default font color.

🧰 Troubleshooting Text Color Issues in Word

If you encounter difficulties while trying to change the text color in Microsoft Word, consider the following common issues and their solutions:

01. Text Color Not Changing

❌ Problem:

The text may be linked to a predefined style (such as Heading or Normal) with locked formatting.

✅ Solution:

Modify the style settings or apply direct formatting overrides.

02. Text Color Appears Incorrect or Distorted

❌ Problem:

Microsoft Word’s Dark Mode or High Contrast settings may affect the way font colors appear on screen.

✅ Solution:

Switch to Light Mode or standard display settings to view the accurate color rendering.

03. Text Color Does Not Print Correctly

❌ Problem:

Background colors and custom font styles may not print unless the appropriate setting is enabled.

✅ Solution:

Go to File > Options > Display and check the box for Print background colors and images.

04. Font Color Tool is Disabled or Missing

❌ Problem:

The document may be in Read-Only mode, protected by restricted editing, or opened in preview.

✅ Solution:

Ensure that editing permissions are granted and that the document is not restricted.

💻 Shortcut Keys

🎯 Conclusion

Knowing how to change text color in Microsoft Word is an essential skill for creating professional and visually appealing documents. By using the Font Color tool, built-in color palettes, and custom RGB or HEX color codes, users can easily highlight key points and improve readability. Whether you’re formatting a report, resume, or presentation, applying the right text color in Word helps you enhance both clarity and design.

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