Formatting Issues

How to Fix Random SmartArt Colors in Word and PowerPoint

Camila Milosovich Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to fix SmartArt graphics that are displaying unexpected or random colors instead of the intended document theme colors.

Product: Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Modifying or inserting SmartArt graphics in a document or presentation.
Observed behavior: SmartArt graphics apply unexpected colors that do not match the current document theme.

Before you start

Ensure that your document or presentation has a specific color theme applied so that the SmartArt can accurately inherit the correct colors.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset the SmartArt Graphic

Resetting the graphic clears any custom formatting overrides and forces it to inherit the default document theme colors.

Select the SmartArt

Click anywhere on the problematic SmartArt graphic in your Word document or PowerPoint slide to select it.

Open SmartArt Design Tab

On the top ribbon menu, locate and click on the 'SmartArt Design' tab.

Click Reset Graphic

Navigate to the far right of the ribbon and click the 'Reset Graphic' button to restore default theme colors.

Solution 2

Manually Change SmartArt Colors

If resetting does not yield the desired look, you can manually select a theme-based color scheme.

Smart Alternative for Presentations

Easily Manage SmartArt and Graphics with WPS Office

WPS Office provides a comprehensive suite for creating, editing, and formatting diagrams in your documents and presentations. You can easily adjust color schemes, apply document themes, and maintain perfect formatting across your files.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your Word (.docx) or Presentation (.pptx) file.
2. Insert or Select Graphic: Click on an existing diagram or navigate to Insert > SmartArt to add a new one.
3. Modify Colors: Use the context menu on the ribbon to select 'Change Colors' and pick your preferred theme.
4. Save seamlessly: Save your file in the original Microsoft format without losing any graphic formatting or color settings.

Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Word (.docx) and PowerPoint (.pptx) files.Easily customize diagram colors and apply consistent document themes.Free, lightweight, and features a user-friendly interface.Built-in rich templates for stunning presentations and reports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my SmartArt colors change when I paste them into another document?

When pasting SmartArt into a different document, it automatically adopts the destination document's theme. To prevent this, click the clipboard icon after pasting and select the 'Keep Source Formatting' paste option.

Can I apply a custom color to a single shape within the SmartArt?

Yes, you can click on an individual shape within the SmartArt graphic, navigate to the Format tab on the ribbon, and use the 'Shape Fill' option to apply a specific color to just that element.

Why is the SmartArt Design tab not appearing on my ribbon?

The SmartArt Design tab is a contextual tab that only appears when a SmartArt graphic is actively selected. Ensure you have clicked directly on the graphic boundary or a shape inside it to reveal the tab.

How do I change the overall document theme colors in Word or PowerPoint?

Navigate to the Design tab on the ribbon and click on 'Colors' (or 'Variants' in newer PowerPoint versions) to select or customize a new color palette for your entire file, which will automatically update your SmartArt graphics.

Document & File Issues