Want to jazz up your Word documents with more highlight colors? I’ve got you covered! In just a few quick steps, you’ll be able to add a variety of colors to your text highlights, making your documents more vibrant and easier to navigate. Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps.
How to Get More Highlight Colors in Word
We all know Word’s default highlight colors can be a bit limiting. Here’s how to unlock a rainbow of choices, with step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First things first, fire up Microsoft Word on your computer.
Make sure you have your document ready. If you don’t have Word installed, you can download it from Microsoft’s official website or use the online version.
Step 2: Select the Text
Click and drag your mouse to select the text you want to highlight.
This step sets the stage for color customization. If you want to highlight multiple sections, you’ll have to repeat this step for each section.
Step 3: Click on the Home Tab
Navigate to the “Home” tab located at the top of your Word document window.
In the Home tab, you’ll find various formatting options, including text highlights.
Step 4: Click on the Text Highlight Color Button
Click the "Text Highlight Color" button, a pen icon with an underline, in the toolbar.
A dropdown menu will appear showing the default highlight color options. This is where the magic happens.
Step 5: Choose More Colors
Select "More Colors" from the dropdown menu to access a wider range of hues.
A new window will pop up, giving you a palette and advanced options to create custom colors.
Step 6: Select a Color and Click OK
Pick your desired color from the palette or create a custom one, then click "OK."
Your selected text will now be highlighted in the new color, adding some much-needed variety to your document.
After completing these steps, you’ll notice that your document looks more organized and visually appealing. You’ll be able to spot important sections quickly, thanks to the new highlight colors.
Tips for Getting More Highlight Colors in Word
- Custom Palettes: Save custom colors for future use to maintain a consistent look across multiple documents.
- Contrast is Key: Choose colors that contrast well with your text to ensure readability.
- Use Themes: Apply Word themes for a cohesive color scheme throughout your document.
- Highlight Important Sections: Use different colors for different types of information, like red for urgent tasks and green for completed ones.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Spend some time experimenting with various colors to find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert to the original highlight color?
Simply select the text again and choose the default yellow color from the "Text Highlight Color" menu.
Can I use multiple colors in one document?
Absolutely! Just follow the steps for each section of text you want to highlight in a different color.
Does this feature work on older versions of Word?
Yes, but the steps might be slightly different. The general idea remains the same: look for the highlight color options under the Home tab.
Can I remove highlights later?
Yes, select the highlighted text and choose "No Color" from the highlight dropdown menu to remove it.
Are custom colors saved in Word?
Custom colors are typically saved for the duration of your session but may reset if you close and reopen Word. Save your custom colors for consistency.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Select the text.
- Click on the Home tab.
- Click the Text Highlight Color button.
- Choose More Colors.
- Select a color and click OK.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! With just a few simple steps, you can unlock a whole palette of highlight colors in Word. This small tweak can make a big difference in how your documents look and feel. Not only will they be more visually appealing, but they’ll also become more functional and easier to navigate.
If you’re someone who deals with a lot of text—be it for school, work, or personal projects—these extra highlight colors can be a game-changer. They help you organize information better, making important details pop. So why stick to the same old yellow when you can have a whole rainbow?
Feel free to share your newly color-coded documents with friends or colleagues, and watch their eyes light up with envy. If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out more of our tips and tricks for getting the most out of Microsoft Word. Ready to add a splash of color? Go ahead, give it a try!

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.