Accidentally highlighted something in blue in Word and can’t figure out how to get rid of it? Don’t worry, it’s a simple fix. Just follow these quick steps and you’ll have your document back to normal in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Get Rid of Blue Highlight in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to accomplish. Blue highlights in Word typically indicate that text is selected or part of a style. We’ll be removing this formatting so your document looks clean and professional.
Step 1: Click on the highlighted text
Click on the text that is highlighted in blue to select it.
Once you’ve clicked on the highlighted text, it should be surrounded by a grey box, showing that it’s been selected.
Step 2: Open the Font dialog box
Right-click on the selected text and select ‘Font’ from the dropdown menu.
This will open the Font dialog box where you can adjust various text settings, including highlights.
Step 3: Remove the highlight
In the Font dialog box, go to the ‘Highlight’ option and click ‘No Color’.
Selecting ‘No Color’ will remove any highlight from the text, returning it to its original state.
Step 4: Click OK
Click ‘OK’ to confirm the changes and close the Font dialog box.
Your text should no longer be highlighted in blue, and your document should look the way you want it.
After completing these steps, the blue highlight will be gone from your Word document, leaving your text clean and free of any unwanted formatting.
Tips on How to Get Rid of Blue Highlight in Word
- Tip 1: If the highlight doesn’t disappear after following these steps, make sure that you’re not dealing with a style or theme that automatically applies highlight to certain text.
- Tip 2: Use the ‘Clear Formatting’ button in the Home tab to remove all formatting from selected text, including highlights.
- Tip 3: Check if Track Changes is turned on; this feature can sometimes cause text to appear highlighted.
- Tip 4: If you’re working with a large document, use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to quickly remove highlights from multiple sections at once.
- Tip 5: Remember that keyboard shortcuts can save time. After selecting the text, press ‘Ctrl + Spacebar’ to remove formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my text highlighted in blue in Word?
Text can be highlighted in blue in Word if it’s been selected, formatted to appear that way, or if Track Changes is turned on.
Can I remove highlights from multiple sections at once?
Yes, use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to remove highlights from multiple sections at once.
Will clearing formatting remove all styles from my text?
Yes, ‘Clear Formatting’ will remove all styles, including font type, size, and color, returning the text to the default.
Can I set a keyboard shortcut to remove highlights?
While there’s no default shortcut for removing highlights, you can create a macro and assign a keyboard shortcut to it.
What if the highlight won’t go away after following these steps?
Check if you’re dealing with a style or theme that applies highlights automatically, or if Track Changes is on.
Summary
- Click on the highlighted text
- Open the Font dialog box
- Remove the highlight by selecting ‘No Color’
- Click OK
Conclusion
And there you have it! Getting rid of that pesky blue highlight in Word is as easy as pie. Just a few clicks here and there, and you’re back in business with a clean, professional-looking document. Remember, Word is a powerful tool packed with features to make your writing look top-notch. But with great power comes great responsibility, so it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of these features to avoid any formatting faux pas. Whether you’re prepping that all-important report, penning your masterpiece, or just jotting down some notes, keeping your document free of unnecessary highlights is key. So, the next time you find yourself grappling with a blue highlight, just follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be a Word whiz in no time. Happy writing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.