The fastest way to change text color

To change text color, select the words you want to recolor, then click the text color button in your toolbar. The button usually looks like an "A" with a colored bar underneath. A small arrow next to it opens a color palette where you pick the shade you want.

The exact location of this button depends on which program you are using — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Gmail, and other tools all put it in slightly different places. But the process is always the same: select, click, choose color.

If you cannot find the button, look for a menu labeled "Format" at the top of your screen. That menu almost always contains a text color option, even if the toolbar button is hidden.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text first, then use the text color button (usually an "A" with a colored line) to change it.
  • In Microsoft Word, the text color button is in the Home tab; in Google Docs, it is in the toolbar at the top.
  • You can change text color before you type by clicking the color button first, then typing — the new text will appear in that color.
  • If you want to change the color back to black or the default, select the text again and choose black from the color palette.

Changing text color in Microsoft Word

Open your document and select the words you want to recolor by clicking and dragging across them. Make sure the text is highlighted in blue before you move to the next step.

Look at the top of your screen for the Home tab. Click it if it is not already selected. In the toolbar below, find the button that looks like an "A" with a colored bar underneath — this is the font color button. Click the small arrow next to it to open the color palette.

A grid of colors will appear. Click the color you want. Your selected text will change to that color immediately. If you want a color that is not in the basic palette, click "More Colors" at the bottom of the grid to see additional options.

To change the color back to black or remove the color formatting, select the text again, click the font color arrow, and choose black from the palette.

Changing text color in Google Docs

Select the text you want to change by clicking and dragging across it. The text will highlight in blue when it is selected.

Look at the toolbar at the top of your document. Find the button that looks like an "A" with a colored underline — this is the text color button. Click the small arrow or triangle next to it to open the color menu.

A palette of colors will appear. Click the color you want your text to be. Google Docs will change the selected text to that color right away. If you want to use a custom color, click the plus sign or "Custom" option at the bottom of the palette to enter a specific color code.

To remove color formatting and return text to black, select it again, click the text color arrow, and choose black.

Changing text color in Gmail and email

When you are composing an email in Gmail, select the text you want to recolor by clicking and dragging across it. The text will highlight in blue.

Look for the text color button in the toolbar at the bottom of the compose window. It looks like an "A" with a colored bar. Click the small arrow next to it to see the color options.

Click the color you want. Your text will change to that color. Keep in mind that not all email programs display colors the same way, so the color may look slightly different when the recipient opens the email on their device.

Other email services like Outlook and Yahoo Mail have similar buttons in their compose toolbars. Look for the "A" with a colored line, and the process is the same: select, click the arrow, choose your color.

Changing text color before you type

You do not have to select existing text to use a different color. You can set the text color first, then type, and all your new text will appear in that color.

Click the text color button (the "A" with the colored bar) and choose your color from the palette. Do not select any text — just click the button and pick the color. Now start typing. Your words will appear in the color you chose.

When you want to switch back to black or the default color, click the text color button again and choose black before you continue typing. This method is useful when you want to highlight a single word or phrase without having to select it first.

What to do if the text color button is missing

If you cannot see the text color button in your toolbar, it may be hidden or your toolbar may be in a simplified view. Click the "Format" menu at the top of your screen — this menu exists in Word, Google Docs, Gmail, and most other text editors.

In Word, click Format, then Character or Font, and look for a color option. In Google Docs, click Format, then Text, then Text color. In Gmail, the Format menu is usually at the bottom of the compose window.

If you still cannot find it, try right-clicking on the text you want to change. A menu will appear with formatting options, and text color is often listed there. This method works in most programs.

Common mistakes when changing text color

The most common mistake is forgetting to select the text before clicking the color button. If you click the button without selecting anything, you will change the color for new text you type, not text that already exists. Always highlight the text in blue first.

Another mistake is clicking the color button itself instead of the arrow next to it. The button may show a preview of the last color you used. Clicking the arrow opens the full palette so you can choose a different color.

Some people also change text to a color that is hard to read against the background — for example, yellow text on a white page. If your text is difficult to see, select it again and choose a darker color like dark blue, dark green, or black.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of just one word in a sentence?

Yes. Select only that word by double-clicking it or by clicking and dragging across just those letters. Then click the text color button and choose your color. Only the selected word will change.

What if I change text to a color and it does not show up when I print?

Some printers do not print colors well, or color printing may be turned off in your printer settings. Before printing, go to File, then Print, and look for an option that says "Print colors" or "Color printing." Make sure it is turned on. You can also print a test page to see how the colors look.

Can I undo a text color change?

Yes. Press Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+Z on Mac right after you change the color, and the text will return to its original color. If you changed the color a while ago, select the text and change it back to black manually.

Does changing text color work the same way on my phone or tablet?

The process is similar but the buttons may be in different places. In Google Docs or Gmail on a phone, tap the text to select it, then look for a formatting menu — usually three dots or lines at the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it and look for text color or font color options.

What colors should I avoid using for text?

Avoid very light colors like light yellow or light gray on white backgrounds — they are hard to read. Also avoid red text on green backgrounds or green on red, as this combination is difficult for people with color blindness. Dark colors on light backgrounds or light colors on dark backgrounds are easiest to read.