Enabling dark mode on Word is all about reducing the strain on your eyes and saving battery life on your device. You can easily switch to dark mode in just a few clicks. This mode changes the background of your Word document to a dark color, making it easier to work at night or in low-light conditions.
Step by Step Tutorial for Enabling Dark Mode on Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’ll achieve by the end of this tutorial. By following the steps below, you will be able to switch the color scheme of your Microsoft Word interface and the document background to dark mode, which is easier on the eyes and can help improve focus.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Open the Microsoft Word application on your computer.
Opening Microsoft Word is as simple as clicking on the Word icon on your desktop, Start Menu, or taskbar. If you’re using a Mac, you can find it in your Applications folder.
Step 2: Go to the ‘File’ Menu
Click on the ‘File’ tab located in the top left corner of the Word window.
The ‘File’ menu is where you can find all the options for managing your Word documents, including options for the appearance of the application.
Step 3: Select ‘Options’
In the File menu, look for the ‘Options’ button, usually found at the bottom, and click on it.
The ‘Options’ window is where you can customize your Word settings, including the display settings which we need to change to enable dark mode.
Step 4: Click on ‘General’
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the ‘General’ tab on the left-hand side.
Under the ‘General’ settings, you will find user interface options, including the Office Theme which controls the overall color scheme of Word.
Step 5: Choose ‘Dark Gray’ or ‘Black’ Office Theme
Under the Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office section, look for the Office Theme drop-down menu and select either ‘Dark Gray’ or ‘Black’.
Choosing ‘Dark Gray’ or ‘Black’ will change the color scheme of the ribbon and other Word interface elements to a darker color. The ‘Black’ theme will provide the darkest option available.
Step 6: Click ‘OK’
After selecting your desired dark mode, click ‘OK’ at the bottom of the Word Options dialog box to apply the changes.
Clicking ‘OK’ will close the dialog box and your Word interface will immediately switch to dark mode. If you ever want to switch back, just repeat these steps and choose a different Office Theme.
After completing these steps, Word will switch to dark mode displaying a darker color scheme that is easier on the eyes for night-time or long-hour work sessions.
Tips for Enabling Dark Mode on Word
- If you’re using Word on a device with an OLED or AMOLED screen, enabling dark mode can save battery life.
- Dark mode can help reduce eye strain, especially when working in low-light conditions.
- Remember that not all elements of Word will be darkened; some templates and features may retain their original color scheme.
- Consider adjusting your screen’s brightness as well when working in dark mode for a more comfortable viewing experience.
- If you find the dark mode too contrasty, you might want to try the ‘Dark Gray’ theme which is softer than the ‘Black’ theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dark mode change the appearance of printed documents?
No, enabling dark mode will not affect how your documents look when printed. It only changes the appearance on your screen.
Can I enable dark mode on Word Online or Word mobile apps?
Yes, you can enable dark mode on Word Online and the Word mobile apps, though the exact steps may vary slightly due to the different interfaces.
What if I can’t find the dark mode option in my Word version?
If you’re using an older version of Word, dark mode may not be available. Consider updating to the latest version to access this feature.
Is dark mode suitable for all types of documents?
Dark mode is suitable for most document editing, but you may want to switch back to a light theme for tasks that require color accuracy, such as designing a document with specific color schemes.
Can I set dark mode to turn on automatically?
Some operating systems offer an automatic dark mode feature that changes the theme based on the time of the day, but this feature is not available within Word itself.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word
- Go to the ‘File’ Menu
- Select ‘Options’
- Click on ‘General’
- Choose ‘Dark Gray’ or ‘Black’ Office Theme
- Click ‘OK’
Conclusion
Switching to dark mode on Word is a breeze, and it offers a pleasant change of scenery from the default bright background. Not only does it look sleek and modern, but it’s also a practical choice for those who spend hours looking at documents. By reducing glare and easing the strain on your eyes, it makes the writing and editing process more comfortable. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your everyday computer use—and it might just make you fall in love with Word all over again.
As we’ve seen, Microsoft has made it simple to enable dark mode, catering to the needs of nocturnal writers and those who prefer a darker workspace. And who knows? This might just be the start of a more customizable Word experience. So why not give your eyes a break and switch to dark mode tonight? Your future self will thank you for it.
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.