Most people create, edit, and format documents using Microsoft Word. Many years ago, it introduced a number of design changes to enhance user experience, and dark mode is a top favorite. There are some who prefer never to use dark mode. Users who like a brighter surface prefer it since such brightness helps in printing documents and working in well-lit areas. In this blog post, we will explain how to get Word out of dark mode in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
You can follow the instructions that fit the version of Word you have, no matter if you’re using Windows, Mac, or the Web version. Should you feel that the black background or a dark theme is interfering with your use of the app, then revert to the light mode. You will be able to use Word’s visual tools like a professional by the end of this.
Key Points:
- You can turn off dark mode from the Word application’s Account or Options page.
- Light mode may increase the visibility of documents for a number of users.
- Changing your interface theme does not alter your final document prints.
How Do I Switch Off Dark Mode In Word Using Settings?
Dark mode can be turned off right from the settings in Microsoft Word by taking these steps. Those who wish to keep the Word window in light mode forever can use this method.
First, select “File” from the tabs at the top left area of Microsoft Word. After that, choose “Options,” which is located at the bottom. The “General” tab is the one shown in the Word Options window to begin with. Head down to the area that asks you to “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office.”
There is a drop-down menu on the viewer’s right labeled “Office Theme.” Select the option that says “White” or “Colorful”, not “Dark Gray” or “Black”. When the theme is set, press “OK” to make the changes take effect. After switching, your Word interface will use light mode.
Let me present a quick comparison of the theme options in Word:
| Theme | Background Color | Font Color |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Black | White |
| Dark Gray | Dark Gray | Light Gray |
| Colorful | White | Black |
| White | White | Black |
This change in settings will affect all Office applications, for example, Excel and PowerPoint.
It is a very straightforward way to turn off dark mode and this method always works in all recent versions of Microsoft Word.
Is it possible to have dark mode only on the document tools and not on the rest of the screen?
It is possible to maintain the dark interface and have the document area shown in a bright, light tone. It gives those who like the dark design, but would like to see their text more clearly on a white background, an easy way to achieve that.
For this, open the “File” menu and pick “Account” from the list. The Office Theme drop-down menu is found next to settings on the right-hand panel. Go to Black in the image options. After that, select any document and press the “View” tab on the ribbon. Subsequently, find the “Switch Modes” button or the “Dark Mode” toggle, which might be named as “Disable Dark Mode” (depending on your version).
Disabling dark mode from here will affect just the area with the document. While the ribbon and background stay black, the page you type on will be white.
These are the ways in which these communication channels vary:
| Setting Applied In | Ribbon Color | Document Color |
|---|---|---|
| Office Theme Only | Dark | Dark |
| Office Theme + View Tab | Dark | Light |
| Light Theme Only | Light | Light |
Note that this feature can only be used in Word 2019, the latest versions, and Microsoft 365.
This way, you can find a good balance between your eye comfort and reading what you write for a long time.
Improves Reading When Dark Mode Is Disabled
Disabling dark mode can help many people with eye strain or who read in bright light get a much better reading experience. Light mode provides a larger difference or contrast between the text and the background, which some users prefer for being easier to use.
Dark mode is good for dim environments because it reduces glare, but it may be less suitable for editing prints or for people with certain vision conditions. Vicky closely resembles normal paper because of black text against a white backdrop, so many people find it easy to navigate.
Here are some true examples from the real world:
- Working on a term paper, a student feels that the white background helps them stay focused.
- Errors are easier to spot for an editor in light mode.
- An elderly user says that seeing documents with a white background enables her to read more easily.
Because each user prefers something different, test both ways and go with the option that complements your typical actions.
Can I Do This If I Have Word Online Or On Mac?
In Word Online (via a browser) or on a Mac, you can turn off dark mode using just a few steps. The dark mode on Word Online is usually connected to your system or browser settings. This can be corrected by locating the sun/moon icon in the top-right part of the screen or in the settings icon which is a gear.
Press the icon to switch between the dark and light themes. If there’s no icon, look in your browser’s theme or appearance settings. If you pick light as your system theme, Word Online will usually show up in light mode.
Open Microsoft Word on a Mac and click on “Word” from the top menu bar. Select the word “Preferences” next to the gear icon. In Preferences, select “General” and unselect the box for Dark Mode. If you do not fix it, Word will reset to light mode.
The detailed plan for doing this is:
| Platform | Method to Disable Dark Mode |
|---|---|
| Word Online | Toggle in top-right or use system settings |
| Word on Mac | Word > Preferences > General > Uncheck Dark Mode |
Ensure that your Word version is the most recent to use these features. Earlier versions might not let you use all the customization options.
Can WordPress Users Make Further Changes to Themes?
Yes, apart from the regular light and dark modes, Microsoft Word allows you to customize themes further based on your liking. It allows users to alter the background’s design, modify the text colors, and add Office add-ins that support accessibility.
Many people find it useful that the page background color can be set through the “Design” tab. You are able to use light tints, select new font themes and try out different styles to make your own design. For example, a teacher making worksheets might select a cream background to ease the visual strain on their students.
Further personalization tips are as follows:
- To add a non-white background, go to “Page Color” in the Design tab.
- Pick readable fonts from the drop-down menu, such as Calibri or Verdana.
- Use a few custom styles in your document so the format is the same throughout all your documents.
Little changes can greatly improve your document editing process. They do not touch the main interface (such as the ribbon or toolbar), but they can enhance whichever work mode you pick.
Conclusion
While dark mode works good for some, it might not suit everyone’s taste. If you’re wondering how to get Word out of dark mode, this guide provides all the steps you need. Using the light mode on a PC, Mac or Word Online can help you see the document more clearly and make editing more relaxed.
Be aware that Microsoft Word lets you modify documents in flexible ways by using themes and document settings. Use the ideas in this article and decide which works best for you and your ability to work.
Using light mode in Word does not alter how printed documents will look; it only changes how the screen appears.
FAQ’s
How can I get Word to stop using dark mode permanently?
Choose File > Options > General > Office Theme and decide between “White” and “Colorful.”
How do I change my Word out of dark mode if the theme is set to light?
Check that you’ve picked the right theme and that your Word is updated.
Is it possible to have the page bright and the interface dark?
You can enable the View tab and then turn off dark mode for just that document.
If I switch the Word theme, will it change anything in the rest of my Office apps?
It will change the appearance for all Office programs linked to your account.
Does dark mode improve our eye health?
It is affected by the lighting and what you find attractive. Some users choose light mode because it is easier to read.
