SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Copy To and Move To Dialog Black Text Issue

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience unreadable text in SharePoint's Copy To and Move To dialogs when using a custom branded theme in dark mode, as the dialog displays black text on a dark background.

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying or moving documents within SharePoint when a custom branded theme is applied.
Observed behavior: The Copy To and Move To dialogs render with a dark background and black text, making the interface unreadable across the tenant.

Before you start

Ensure you have SharePoint Site Owner or Administrator privileges to modify site themes and verify if the issue affects all users in the tenant or just specific accounts.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch to a Built-in Microsoft Theme

Reverting to a default Microsoft theme temporarily resolves the dark mode color slot conflict, making the dialogs readable again.

A recent SharePoint Online update appears to have changed how the Copy To and Move To dialogs use theme color slots. Until Microsoft patches this custom branding conflict, switching to a built-in theme is the most effective immediate workaround.

Open Site Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint site and click the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Access Theme Options

Click on 'Change the look' from the settings panel, and then select 'Theme'.

Apply a Default Theme

Choose one of the Microsoft-provided default or built-in themes from the list and click 'Save' to apply the changes.

Temporary Workaround: This is a temporary fix. Organizations requiring strict branded colors will need to wait for a Microsoft patch to safely reapply their custom themes.

Solution 2

Open a Support Ticket with Microsoft

Contact Microsoft Support to report the bug so they can investigate the tenant configuration and service logs.

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Seamlessly Edit and Manage Documents with WPS Office

While waiting for Microsoft to resolve SharePoint UI bugs, you can reliably create, edit, and collaborate on your office documents using WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative with high compatibility for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without theme-related rendering issues.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your device.
2. Install and Launch: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, open the application.
3. Open Your Documents: Simply drag and drop your downloaded SharePoint documents into WPS Office to continue editing without formatting loss.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the SharePoint dialog show black text on a dark background?

This is likely due to a recent update in SharePoint Online that changed how theme color slots are mapped. When a custom branded theme is applied, the Copy To and Move To dialogs pull conflicting colors, resulting in black text on a dark background.

Can I fix the dialog without losing my organization's custom branding?

Currently, switching to a built-in Microsoft theme is the only immediate workaround. Microsoft must address the theme color slot mapping on their end for a permanent fix that supports custom branding.

Does this issue affect all SharePoint dialogs?

The issue primarily targets specific file management interfaces, specifically the Copy To and Move To dialogs, when custom themes are applied while the user is operating in dark mode.

Document & File Issues