SharePoint Document Issues

How to Change the Color of a SharePoint Calendar Overlay

Emma Brown Oct 15, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to change the assigned color of an existing calendar overlay in a Microsoft 365 SharePoint Teams site.

How to Change the Color of an Existing SharePoint Calendar Overlay

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing site events by category using colored calendar overlays, but encountering difficulties modifying existing colors due to interface limitations.
Observed behavior: The existing calendar overlay remains a specific color (like green) and the modern Microsoft 365 Teams site interface does not expose an obvious 'edit' option in List Settings or elsewhere to change it.

Before you start

Verify that you have sufficient permissions (such as Site Member or Site Owner) to edit calendar settings, as modern Microsoft 365 Teams sites may restrict these options for standard users.

Solution 1Recommended

Edit the Overlay Color via the Classic SharePoint Calendar Page

Because modern SharePoint pages often hide advanced calendar features, accessing the classic interface is the most direct way to modify your overlay colors.

The Calendars Overlay editor is native to the classic SharePoint experience. Customizing colors via CSS or Script Editor Web Parts is generally disabled on modern sites, making the classic ribbon menu the best approach.

Access the Classic Calendar

Navigate to your SharePoint calendar page. If you are in a modern view, look for an option to 'Return to classic SharePoint' in the bottom left corner of the page.

Open the Calendar Ribbon

Click on the 'Calendar' tab located in the top ribbon menu to expand the calendar management options.

Navigate to Calendars Overlay

In the expanded ribbon, click on the 'Calendars Overlay' button to view all connected calendar apps.

Edit the Target Overlay

Click on the specific name of the existing calendar overlay you want to modify (e.g., the one currently appearing green).

Change the Color and Save

Locate the 'Color' dropdown menu, select your preferred new color (such as brown), and click 'OK' to apply the changes.

Edit the Overlay Color via the Classic SharePoint Calendar Page

Modern Site Limitations: If the 'Return to classic SharePoint' option is unavailable or the ribbon is missing, your Microsoft 365 Teams site administrator may have disabled classic mode. You will need to contact them to make the adjustment.

Solution 2

Request Assistance from a Site Administrator

If you are a site member without access to classic SharePoint features, an administrator must update the overlay settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see the Calendars Overlay button in modern SharePoint?

Modern SharePoint experiences are designed with a simplified interface and often omit advanced legacy features found in the classic ribbon. You must switch to the classic experience to access the specific overlay settings.

Can I use CSS or a Script Editor to change the calendar color in a modern Teams site?

Customizing modern SharePoint sites with CSS or Script Editor Web Parts is generally disabled by default for security and performance reasons. It is highly recommended to use the built-in overlay settings via the classic view instead.

How many custom colors are available for SharePoint calendar overlays?

SharePoint provides a default palette of nine distinct colors for calendar overlays. You must select one of these predefined colors from the dropdown menu when editing the overlay.

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