Changing the font color in Google Docs helps headings stand out, flags important dates, or matches your brand colors. You can pick from the standard palette or enter an exact hex code, and a few tricks save time when you use the same color repeatedly. This guide covers changing text color on a computer and in the mobile apps, custom colors, copying color formatting, making a color the default, and removing color.
Quick Answer
Select the text, click the Text color button (the letter A with a colored bar) in the toolbar, and choose a color. For an exact shade, click + under Custom and enter a hex code, such as #1A73E8.
Change Font Color on a Computer
- Open the document at docs.google.com.
- Select the text you want to recolor.
- Click Text color in the toolbar. If the toolbar is narrow, it may be under the ⋮ (More) button.
- Click a color.
Use a Custom or Brand Color
- Select the text and click Text color.
- Under Custom, click +.
- Enter a hex code, or drag the picker to choose a shade.
- Click OK. The color is saved under Custom for this document.
Apply the Same Color Quickly
- Paint format: click text with the color you want, click the Paint format (paint roller) button, then select the text to change. Double-click the roller to apply it several times.
- Styles: color a heading, then choose Format > Paragraph styles > Heading 1 > Update ‘Heading 1’ to match. Every Heading 1 in the document gets the color.
Make a Color the Default for Normal Text
- Type some text and set its color.
- Select it and choose Format > Paragraph styles > Normal text > Update ‘Normal text’ to match.
- To use this in new documents, choose Format > Paragraph styles > Options > Save as my default styles.
For more detail, see our guide to changing the default text color in Google Docs.
Change Font Color in the Mobile App
Android and iPhone
- Open the document and tap the pencil icon to edit.
- Select the text.
- Tap the Format button (A with lines) and open the Text tab.
- Tap Text color and choose a color.
Text Color vs. Highlight Color
| Tool | What changes | Toolbar icon |
|---|---|---|
| Text color | The letters | A with a colored bar |
| Highlight color | The background behind the letters | Highlighter pen |
Remove Font Color
- Select the text, click Text color, and choose black (or your default color).
- Or press Ctrl + \ (Cmd + \ on Mac) to clear all formatting from the selection, including bold and size changes.
Accessibility Tip
Choose colors with strong contrast against the background. Dark text on a light page is easiest to read. Avoid light yellow or pale gray text, and don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.
For old prices or completed items that need a visible line through the words, see how to add strikethrough in Google Docs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I change the font color?
You may be in Viewing mode or have view-only access. Switch to Editing or ask the owner for access.
Can I change the color of the whole document at once?
Yes. Press Ctrl + A (Cmd + A) to select everything, then choose a text color.
Do custom colors carry over to other documents?
Custom colors are saved per document, but you can reuse them by entering the same hex code.
Summary
- Select text and click Text color.
- Use Custom > + for exact hex colors.
- Use Paint format or styles to apply colors quickly.
- Update Normal text to change the default color.
- Clear formatting with Ctrl + \.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.