Turning on dark mode on your Mac for Microsoft Word can be a simple process. All you need to do is open Word, go to the ‘Tools’ tab, select ‘Options,’ and switch to ‘General.’ From there, select ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office,’ find the Office Theme dropdown menu, and choose ‘Black’ for dark mode.
Step by Step Tutorial to Make Word Dark Mode on Mac
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we are about to do. By following these steps, you’ll be changing the appearance of your Word documents to a dark background with light text. This can be easier on the eyes, especially when working at night or in low-light conditions.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word on your Mac
Open the Microsoft Word application on your Mac.
When you open Word, you’ll usually see a blank document or the Word start screen. If you’re already working on a document, that’s fine too.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Tools’ tab
Click on the ‘Tools’ tab in the top menu bar.
The ‘Tools’ tab is where you’ll find settings and options to customize your Word experience.
Step 3: Select ‘Options’
From the dropdown menu under ‘Tools,’ select ‘Options.’
‘Options’ will open a new window where you can change various settings for Word.
Step 4: Switch to ‘General’
In the ‘Options’ window, look for a category called ‘General’ and select it.
‘General’ settings are where you can adjust the most common and broad settings for Word.
Step 5: Choose ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office’
Find the section labeled ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office’ and click on it.
This is where you can change the visual theme of your Word application.
Step 6: Select ‘Black’ from the Office Theme dropdown menu
Look for the ‘Office Theme’ dropdown menu and select ‘Black’ for dark mode.
Choosing ‘Black’ will change the interface of Word to dark mode, which is easier on the eyes in low light.
After you complete these steps, your Word interface will change to dark mode. This means that the background will be dark, and the text will be light. This can reduce eye strain and make it easier to focus on your work, especially in darker environments.
Tips for Making Word Dark Mode on Mac
- Ensure your Mac is running the latest version of Microsoft Word to access the dark mode feature.
- Dark mode is ideal for working in low-light conditions to reduce eye strain.
- Remember that dark mode affects the interface of Word, not the documents themselves. If you print a document, it will still print in the default light mode.
- Use dark mode in conjunction with macOS’s dark mode for a cohesive look across your entire system.
- If you switch back to light mode, remember to follow the same steps but select ‘Colorful’ or ‘White’ from the Office Theme dropdown menu instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my version of Word supports dark mode?
If you have Office 2019 or Microsoft 365, your version of Word should support dark mode.
Most recent versions of Microsoft Word will support dark mode, but if you’re using an older version, it might not be available. Be sure to check for updates or consider upgrading if dark mode is essential to you.
Will dark mode change the color of my document?
No, dark mode only changes the interface of Word, not the content of your documents.
Your documents will still have a white background with black text unless you manually change the page color within the document itself.
Can I use dark mode on other Office applications?
Yes, once you change the Office Theme to ‘Black,’ it will apply to other Office applications as well.
If you have other Office applications like Excel or PowerPoint, they will also switch to dark mode when you change the setting in Word.
Is dark mode better for my eyes?
Many users find dark mode to be less straining on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions.
While dark mode can reduce eye strain for some people, it’s ultimately a personal preference. Try it out and see if it works better for you.
Can I print in dark mode?
No, documents will still print with a white background and black text regardless of the interface theme.
Printing in dark mode is not supported as it would use a significant amount of ink or toner. If you want to print a document with a dark background, you would need to change the page color manually within the document.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word on your Mac.
- Go to the ‘Tools’ tab.
- Select ‘Options.’
- Switch to ‘General.’
- Choose ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office.’
- Select ‘Black’ from the Office Theme dropdown menu.
Conclusion
Making Microsoft Word dark mode on Mac is a breeze once you know where to look. Not only does it provide an aesthetic change, but it’s also a practical one for those long nights typing up reports or crafting your next novel. The reduced glare from the bright screen can be a game-changer for your productivity and eye health. Plus, it’s always refreshing to switch things up and give your usual work environment a new look.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on Word, this little adjustment can make a big difference. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good dark mode? It’s sleek, it’s modern, and it’s easier on the eyes. Give it a try and see how it transforms your Word experience. Remember, the key is to explore and find what works best for you. So, go ahead, make word dark mode on mac, and type away into the night without the harsh glare of a bright screen.
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.