How to Change Color in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the color of text in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can add emphasis and visual appeal to your documents. Whether you want to highlight a specific word or phrase, or simply break up a wall of text, changing the color is a quick and easy way to do so.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change Color in Word

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note what you will achieve by following them. You will learn how to select text and change its color, which can be useful for drawing attention to important information or creating a visually appealing document.

Step 1: Select the text you want to change

Click and drag your cursor over the text you wish to alter.

Selecting the text is the first step to changing its color. Make sure you only highlight the words you want to change, as anything you select will be affected by the next steps.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Home’ tab

Find the ‘Home’ tab at the top of your Word document and click on it.

The ‘Home’ tab is where you will find most of the basic formatting options, including font size, style, and color.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Font Color’ drop-down menu

In the ‘Font’ group, look for the ‘Font Color’ button, which usually looks like a letter ‘A’ with a colored line beneath it.

Once you click on the ‘Font Color’ button, a palette of colors will appear, and you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

Step 4: Select your desired color

Click on the color you want to apply to the selected text.

After selecting a color, the text you highlighted will automatically change to that color. If you don’t see the color you want, you can click on "More Colors" for additional options.

After you complete these steps, your selected text will now be displayed in the color you chose. This can make your document more visually interesting and help to convey your message effectively.

Tips: Maximizing the Impact of Color in Word

• Use contrasting colors for text and background to ensure readability.
• Stick to a color scheme to maintain a professional and cohesive look.
• Consider the psychological impact of colors, such as using red for urgency or green for growth.
• Use color sparingly to avoid overwhelming your readers and diluting the impact.
• Remember that not all readers will see colors the same way, due to color blindness or screen settings, so always prioritize clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to save custom colors in Word?

Yes, after selecting ‘More Colors,’ you can define custom colors and save them for future use.

Can I apply color to an entire paragraph at once?

Absolutely. Simply highlight the entire paragraph and follow the same steps to change the color.

Will changing the text color affect the document’s printing?

Depending on your printer, colors may appear differently in print than on the screen. It’s always a good idea to do a test print.

Can I use color to highlight text instead of changing the text color?

Yes, Word has a separate ‘Text Highlight Color’ function specifically for this purpose.

How can I ensure the color I choose is accessible to all readers?

Use high-contrast colors and test your document using accessibility checkers or by viewing it in grayscale.

Summary

1. Select the text
2. Click on the ‘Home’ tab
3. Click on the ‘Font Color’ drop-down menu
4. Select your desired color

Conclusion

Color can be a powerful tool in your Word documents when used correctly. It can emphasize important points, organize information, and make your document more engaging. Remember to consider your audience and the purpose of your document when choosing colors. With the steps and tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to change the color of text in Word like a pro. If you have further questions or want to explore more advanced features, the Microsoft Word Help Center is a great resource to check out. So, go ahead and give your documents a splash of color!