Where to find the color tool in TextStudio
TextStudio's color controls sit in the toolbar at the top of the editor window. Select the text you want to change first — click and drag to highlight the words or letters. Once text is selected, look for the text color button, which typically shows as an "A" with a colored bar underneath it.
The exact location depends on your TextStudio version. In most recent versions, the color button appears in the main formatting toolbar alongside bold, italic, and font options. If you don't see it immediately, check whether your toolbar is fully expanded — some installations hide less-used tools behind a dropdown menu or a "more options" button.
Key Takeaways
- Select your text first by clicking and dragging, then use the color button (usually an "A" with a colored bar) in the toolbar to open the color picker.
- TextStudio offers both a preset color palette and a custom color picker where you can enter specific hex codes or RGB values.
- You can change text color, highlight color (background), or both depending on which color tool you choose.
- Color changes apply only to selected text, so you can use different colors within the same document or paragraph.
Using the preset color palette
Clicking the color button opens a dropdown showing preset colors — usually a grid of 10 to 20 standard options like red, blue, green, black, and white. These presets are the fastest way to change color if you don't need an exact shade. Simply click the color you want and it applies immediately to your selected text.
If the preset colors don't match what you need, look for an option labeled "More Colors", "Custom Color", or a small arrow or plus icon at the bottom of the palette. This opens a full color picker where you can choose from thousands of colors or enter a specific value.
Entering a custom color with hex or RGB codes
The custom color picker in TextStudio accepts hex codes (six-character codes like #FF5733) and RGB values (three numbers between 0 and 255, like 255, 87, 51). If you have a specific color in mind — perhaps from a brand guide or a design file — you can paste or type its code directly instead of hunting through the color grid.
To use a hex code, look for a field labeled "Hex" or "#" and paste or type the code. For RGB, find fields labeled "R", "G", and "B" and enter the three numbers. TextStudio updates the preview in real time, so you'll see the color change as you type. Once it matches what you want, click "OK" or "Apply" to confirm.
Changing highlight color instead of text color
TextStudio distinguishes between text color (the letters themselves) and highlight color (the background behind the text). If you want to add a colored background without changing the text color, look for a separate button — often labeled with a highlighter icon or a paint bucket. Select your text and click this button instead of the text color button.
The highlight color picker works the same way as the text color picker: presets first, then custom colors if needed. You can combine both — for example, white text on a blue highlight — by changing text color first, then highlight color, or vice versa.
Removing or resetting text color
To remove a color you've applied and return text to the default, select the colored text and open the color picker again. Look for an option labeled "None", "Default", "Automatic", or a white or transparent square at the top of the palette. Clicking this removes the custom color and reverts the text to whatever color the document's default style specifies.
If you've applied both text color and highlight color and want to remove only one, use the corresponding tool — the text color button removes text color, and the highlight button removes the background. You don't have to remove both at once.
Applying the same color to multiple sections
If you've used a custom color and want to apply it again elsewhere in the document, you don't have to re-enter the code. Most versions of TextStudio remember your last custom color in the color picker. Select new text, open the color picker, and your previous custom color usually appears at the top or in a "recent colors" section.
Alternatively, select text that already has the color you want, note the hex or RGB code (visible in the color picker when that text is selected), then select different text and enter the same code. This ensures consistency across your document without relying on memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the color button appear in my toolbar?
Your toolbar may be in a compact view that hides less-common tools. Look for a dropdown menu, a "more options" button (often three dots or a chevron), or check the View menu to see whether toolbar customization options are available. You can usually drag tools into the main toolbar or enable hidden sections.
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 around it, then apply the color. TextStudio applies color changes only to selected text, so you can have multiple colors in a single paragraph or sentence.
What's the difference between text color and highlight color?
Text color changes the letters themselves. Highlight color adds a background behind the text, like a marker. You can use either one alone or combine them — for example, red text on a yellow highlight.
If I change a color, does it affect the whole document?
No. Color changes apply only to the text you have selected. Other text in the document keeps its original color unless you select and change it separately.
Can I save a custom color to use again later?
TextStudio typically saves your most recent custom colors in a "recent colors" section of the color picker, but there is no built-in way to create a permanent custom palette. If you use the same colors often, write down the hex codes or RGB values so you can enter them quickly when needed.