Why Word Text Changes Color When Opening Documents & How to Fix It
Question details
Users experience unexpected text color changes when opening a Word document on a different computer.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Opening a shared or transferred Word document on another device.
- Observed behavior
- Original text colors, such as violet, unexpectedly display as black or a different color on the new computer.
Before troubleshooting, check if the document has 'Track Changes' enabled, as Microsoft Word automatically uses different colors to indicate edits made by different users.
Review and Resolve Track Changes
Use this solution to ensure that the colored text is not simply an unresolved edit made while Track Changes was active.
When Track Changes is enabled, Word assigns specific colors to different authors. If a document is opened on another computer, these markup colors may display differently or revert to standard text colors once the changes are accepted.
Open your document in Microsoft Word and click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon.
Look at the 'Tracking' group to see if 'Track Changes' is highlighted. Ensure 'All Markup' is selected in the Display for Review dropdown menu to see all colored edits.
Click 'Accept' and choose 'Accept All Changes and Stop Tracking' to finalize the document. The text will revert to its intended permanent color.
Apply Standard Colors Instead of Theme Colors
Switch from theme-based colors to standard colors to prevent text from shifting based on the destination computer's default theme.
Embed Fonts in the Document
Embed the fonts directly into the file to prevent Word from substituting fonts and altering text appearance.
Maintain Flawless Formatting with WPS Office
If you are tired of unexpected formatting shifts, missing fonts, and text color changes when moving documents between computers, try WPS Office. It provides robust compatibility with Microsoft Word formats, ensuring your documents look exactly the same across all devices.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the application: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your computer.
- 3. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer, open your existing Word document, and experience flawless formatting retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my text turn red or purple when I type in Microsoft Word?
This usually happens because 'Track Changes' is turned on. Word uses red, purple, or other colors to highlight new edits made by different users. You can disable this by going to the Review tab and toggling off Track Changes.
Do Microsoft Word document themes affect text color on other computers?
Yes. If your text is formatted using 'Theme Colors' rather than 'Standard Colors', the text will automatically adapt to the default theme of the computer it is opened on. Using standard or custom RGB colors prevents this.
How can I lock my Word document's formatting so it doesn't change?
You can restrict formatting changes by going to the Review tab, clicking 'Restrict Editing', and checking the box to 'Limit formatting to a selection of styles'. This helps prevent accidental modifications when sharing.
Why do the fonts look different when I open my file on another device?
If the destination device does not have your document's specific font installed, Word will substitute it with a default font. To prevent this, go to File > Options > Save, and check 'Embed fonts in the file' before sharing.
