Office for Mac Issues

Change Microsoft Word from White Text to Black on Mac

Huda Qurayshi Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change Microsoft Word's appearance from white text on a black background back to the standard black text on a white page.

How to Fix Microsoft Word Showing White Text on a Black Background on Mac

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Managing document formatting and application viewing modes.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word displays a black document page with white text because either Word or macOS Dark Mode is currently enabled.

Before you start

Determine whether you want to completely disable Dark Mode across the entire Word application or simply change the document page background to white while keeping the menus dark.

Solution 1Recommended

Switch Document Page Mode (Keep App Dark)

Use this solution if you prefer to keep the Word application menus in Dark Mode but need your document canvas to display as a traditional white page with black text.

Microsoft Word includes a built-in feature that allows you to separate the document canvas color from the overall application theme.

Open the View Tab

Launch Microsoft Word and open your document. Click on the 'View' tab in the top ribbon menu.

Select Switch Modes

Click the 'Switch Modes' button. This will instantly change the document area to black text on a white background, while leaving the rest of the application interface in Dark Mode.

Switch Document Page Mode (Keep App Dark)

Quick Toggle: You can click 'Switch Modes' again at any time to instantly revert the document canvas back to a black background.

Solution 2

Turn Off Dark Mode in Word Preferences

This method forces Microsoft Word to use Light Mode entirely, regardless of your Mac's system-wide appearance settings.

Solution 3

Change macOS System Appearance to Light Mode

Use this approach if you want to turn off Dark Mode system-wide for all applications on your Mac, including Microsoft Word.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience a Seamless Reading and Writing Environment with WPS Office

Looking for a lighter, cost-free alternative to Microsoft Word? WPS Office offers an intuitive interface, easy-to-manage viewing modes, and complete compatibility with your existing documents.

1. Download and Install: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free macOS installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and click 'Open' to select your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) files.
3. Adjust Viewing Modes: Navigate to the 'View' tab in WPS Writer to customize your reading background, including Eye Protection and Dark Mode settings, tailored perfectly to your preferences.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word .docx and .doc formats.Easily toggle between Eye Protection Mode, Dark Mode, and standard viewing.Free to use with a lightweight installation that won't slow down your Mac.Familiar tabbed interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office seamless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Word document suddenly turn black with white text?

This usually happens when your Mac automatically switches to Dark Mode at night based on your system settings, or if Dark Mode was accidentally enabled in Word's General Preferences.

Will my document print with a black background if Dark Mode is on?

No. Dark Mode is purely a visual setting for your screen. Your document will still print normally with black text on white paper by default.

Can I have Dark Mode on my Mac but keep Word in Light Mode?

Yes. You can leave your Mac system settings in Dark Mode, open Microsoft Word, go to Word > Preferences > General, and select 'Turn off Dark Mode' to keep only Word in Light Mode.

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