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How to Turn Off Dark Mode on Word [Step-by Step]

August 10, 2023 9.6K views

In the realm of digital productivity, the rise of dark mode has brought a new level of visual comfort. However, a predicament arises when Word syncs with the system's dark mode, hindering the editing process. As conflicts emerge, users yearn for a solution that allows them to tame Word's color independently. How can one effortlessly bid farewell to Word's dark mode, irrespective of their system's settings? Fear not, for this article unveils a comprehensive guide on disabling or turning off dark mode in Word. Brace yourself for illuminating insights and a brighter writing experience ahead.

Using Office Theme to Turn Off Dark Mode on Word

Dark mode in Word can be visually appealing, but it may not always be ideal for editing. If you're looking to turn off dark mode in Word and revert to a lighter interface, the Office Theme comes to the rescue. Follow these simple steps to disable dark mode and enjoy a more classic editing experience.

Steps to Disable Dark Mode

1. Open Microsoft Word and click on the "File" tab located in the top-left corner.

“Microsoft Word File tab screenshot ”

2. From the sidebar on the left, choose the "Account" option.

“Microsoft Word account screenshot ”

3. Under the "Office Theme" section, click the drop-down menu to choose the "White" option. By selecting this option, you will successfully turn off dark mode on Word. Bythis way, you learn how to turn dark mode on or off on word.

“Microsoft Word office theme screenshot ”

When choosing colors, it's important to note that you have two options: "Colorful" and "White." If you opt for the "Colorful" mode, you'll have a classic blue-white toolbar. On the other hand, selecting the "White" mode will transform your toolbar into a clean, white interface.

Pros

  • Ease of operation and compatibility: This method is simple to follow and works for all versions of Microsoft Word, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

  • More classic and smooth editing experience: By turning off dark mode and utilizing the Office Theme, you can enjoy a timeless and smooth editing environment that aligns with your preferences.

  • Suitable for both Windows and Mac: Whether you're using Microsoft Word on a Windows or Mac system, the Office Theme allows you to disable dark mode consistently across platforms.

Cons

  • Not as eye-friendly: It's important to note that while turning off dark mode in Word, the system's dark mode may still be active. This can lead to potential eye strain when switching back and forth between Word and other software applications.

By using the Office Theme to turn off dark mode in Word, you can easily customize your editing experience and enjoy the benefits of a more classic and seamless interface. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks, particularly the compatibility of dark mode with other software and its impact on eye comfort.

Keep dark mode but change the color of the page

Dark mode in Word provides a visually pleasing interface, but there may be times when you want to change the color of the page without turning off dark mode entirely. This can be helpful for improving eye protection and meeting specific editing needs. Follow these simple steps to learn how to keep word documents white in dark mode.

Steps to Modify the Page Color

1. Open Microsoft Word on your Mac. In the top left corner of the menu bar, locate and click on "Word."

2. From the dropdown menu, click on "Preferences" and then select "General."

“Microsoft Word on Mac screenshot ”

3. Scroll down until you find the "Personalize" section and look for the option to "Turn Off Dark Mode."

4. Under the "Personalize" section, choose the "Dark Mode Has A White Page Color" option. By selecting this, the page you write on will be white, while the background remains black, maintaining the dark mode aesthetic.

“Microsoft Word on Mac options screenshot ”

By following these steps, you can customize the page color to white while preserving the benefits of dark mode.

Remember, this feature is specific to Word for Mac and allows you to tailor your editing experience to suit your preferences

Pros

  • Ease of operation and compatibility: This method is user-friendly and applicable to all versions of Microsoft Word, ensuring accessibility for users across different platforms.

  • Improved eye protection and editing needs: By changing the color of the page while keeping dark mode, you can enhance eye protection and meet specific editorial requirements. The white page color provides a contrasting background for better readability.

Cons

  • Difficulty in locating the function in the black editing field: One potential drawback is that finding the corresponding function to change the page color within the black editing field might be more challenging. Users may need to navigate through the preferences menu to access the desired setting.

  • Limited to Mac users: Unfortunately, this method is specific to Word for Mac, and users of other operating systems may not have access to the same functionality. This can be a limitation for those using Windows or other platforms.

Using Switch Modes to Turn Off Dark Mode on Word

Switch Modes is a unique feature in Office 365 that provides a convenient solution for adjusting different color modes in Word. With a simple toggle, you can easily switch off dark mode and return to the default color scheme. Follow the steps below to utilize this feature effectively.

Steps to Use Switch Mode

1. Click on the "View" tab located in the ribbon at the top of the page.

2. Locate and click on "Switch Modes." This action will toggle the document color, changing it from dark mode to the default color scheme.

“Microsoft Word switch mode screenshot ”

3. If you wish to switch back to the dark mode, simply click on "Switch Modes" again, and the document color will revert to black.

By following these steps, you can easily control the color mode in Word using the Switch Modes feature.

Pros

  • Ease of operation: This method is simple and user-friendly, allowing you to toggle between dark mode and the default color scheme with ease.

  • Compatible with Windows and Mac: Whether you're using Word on a Windows or Mac system, Switch Modes is available and can be utilized for adjusting the color mode accordingly.

Cons

  • Difficulty in finding the function within the black editing field: Locating the Switch Modes function within the black editing field might be a challenge for some users. It may require navigating through the menu options to access the feature.

  • Availability limited to Office 365: Switch Modes is exclusively available in the Microsoft Word version that is part of Office 365. Users of other Word versions or standalone installations may not have access to this feature.

While the difficulty in finding the function within the black editing field and the limitation to Office 365 are potential drawbacks, utilizing the Switch Modes feature offers the benefits of easy operation and compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems. It provides a convenient solution for turning off dark mode and returning to the default color scheme in Word.

How to make Microsoft Word documents always appear white

No matter how your system is configured, this method ensures that your Word documents will always display in white mode. With this approach, you can maintain a consistent white background for optimal readability. Follow the steps below to implement this setting.

Steps to make Microsoft Word white

  1. Open Microsoft Word and click on the "File" tab located in the top-left corner.

  2. In the File menu, click on "Options" at the bottom.

  3. In the Word Options window, navigate to the "General" tab.

  4. Scroll down to the "Personalize your copy of Microsoft Word" section.

  5. Check the box that says "Never change the document page color" and click "OK" to apply the changes.

“Microsoft Word options screenshot ”
Note: Despite this setting, you can still switch the document color to black by using the "Switch Modes" feature.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Microsoft Word documents always appear with a white background, regardless of your system settings.

Pros

  • Consistent white background: This method allows you to maintain a uniform white background for all your Word documents, ensuring optimal readability.

Cons

  • Limited to Windows: Unfortunately, this method is specific to Windows systems and may not be applicable to other operating systems.

  • While this approach offers the benefit of a consistently white background in Word documents, it is important to note that it is only compatible with Windows systems.

6 benefits of turning off word dark mode

Turning off dark mode in Word offers several advantages that enhance your editing experience and align with your personal preferences. By disabling dark mode, you can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Improved editing environment: Dark mode often presents challenges when it comes to writing on black pages. By turning off dark mode, you can work on a white background, which is generally easier to read and write on, making your editing process more efficient.

  • Preserves system dark color mode: Disabling dark mode in Word does not affect the original system dark color mode. You can continue enjoying dark mode in other applications while having the flexibility to switch to a lighter interface specifically for Word.

  • Customization to personal use habits: Turning off dark mode allows you to conform to your personal use habits. If you prefer working with a lighter color scheme, disabling dark mode ensures that Word aligns with your individual preferences and provides a more comfortable and familiar editing environment.

  • Enhanced readability: White backgrounds are generally considered more readable for extended periods of time. By opting for a light interface in Word, you reduce eye strain and create a visually pleasing environment that promotes focus and clarity while editing your documents.

  • Consistency across platforms: Disabling dark mode in Word ensures consistency across platforms. Whether you're working on Windows or Mac, having a unified interface with a white background allows for seamless transitions between devices and a cohesive editing experience.

  • Highlighting and formatting clarity: When working with dark mode, the contrast between text and background can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish between highlighted text or formatting changes. By turning off dark mode, you can improve the clarity and visibility of these elements, making it easier to identify and edit specific sections of your document.

By considering these benefits and turning off dark mode in Word, you can enhance your editing efficiency, maintain consistency with your system's dark color mode, and customize your editing environment to suit your personal use habits.

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WPS Office - Free Alternative to Microsoft Word

“WPS all apps screenshot ”

While the methods discussed in this article are applicable to both Microsoft Word and WPS Office Writer, we highly recommend considering WPS Office as an alternative. WPS Office offers several advantages over Microsoft Word, making it a compelling choice for your word processing needs. Here are some reasons why you should download and use WPS Office:

  • Price: One of the primary advantages of WPS Office is its affordability. Unlike Microsoft Word, which requires a subscription or a one-time purchase, WPS Office is available for free. This makes it a cost-effective option for individuals and businesses looking to save on word processing software expenses.

  • Compatibility (especially for Mac): WPS Office provides excellent compatibility across different platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. In particular, if you are a Mac user, you'll find that WPS Office offers seamless integration and compatibility, ensuring a smooth experience for your word processing needs.

  • Features: WPS Office offers a wide range of features comparable to those of Microsoft Word. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating, editing, and formatting documents, including advanced features such as track changes, spell checking, and document collaboration. With WPS Office, you won't miss out on essential functionalities required for your word processing tasks.

  • User-friendly Interface: WPS Office boasts a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, you'll find WPS Office Writer's interface to be visually appealing and straightforward, allowing you to focus on your work without unnecessary distractions.

In conclusion, while both Microsoft Word and WPS Office Writer offer word processing capabilities, WPS Office presents a compelling alternative for several reasons. With its cost-effectiveness, compatibility across platforms (especially for Mac users), comprehensive features, and user-friendly interface, WPS Office is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses seeking a free and reliable word processing solution.

FAQs about Turn off  Dark Mode on word

Q1: Can I disable Dark Mode on Word for mobile devices?

Yes, you can disable Dark Mode on Word for mobile devices. Access the settings within the Word app and look for appearance or theme options to switch off dark mode.

Q2: Can I turn off dark mode on Word in my web browser?

Yes, you can turn off dark mode on Word in your web browser. Open a Word document in your browser, go to the "View" menu, and toggle off the "Dark Mode" option.

Final Thought on Dark Mode on Word

In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive guide on how to turn off dark mode on different systems. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can easily switch to a lighter interface and improve your editing experience. Whether you choose to use the Office Theme, adjust the page color, or explore other options, the methods described here offer flexibility and customization to suit your preferences.

Furthermore, we have highlighted the benefits of using WPS Office as a free alternative to Microsoft Word. With its affordability, compatibility across platforms (including Mac), and user-friendly interface, WPS Office presents a compelling choice for individuals seeking a reliable word processing solution. Consider downloading and exploring WPS Office to enjoy a feature-rich editing environment without the need for a subscription or one-time purchase.

By turning off dark mode and leveraging the features of WPS Office, you can create a more comfortable and personalized editing experience, enhancing your productivity and enjoyment while working on Word documents.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.