Change the Selected Text Highlight Color in Word for Mac
Question details
A Microsoft Word for Mac user wants to know whether the selected-text highlight color issue is resolved and where the color is configured.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- The user selects text in Microsoft Word for Mac and wants to change or fix the selected text highlight color.
- Observed behavior
- The selected text highlight color appears incorrect or the user cannot find where to configure it in Word.
Close Microsoft Word before changing macOS system settings, and note your macOS version from Apple menu > About This Mac. Open System Preferences so you can follow the steps without interrupting other applications.
Change the macOS selected text highlight color
Use this solution when the highlight color in Word for Mac is wrong or you want a different selected-text color. Word for Mac inherits this color from macOS system settings.
Microsoft Word for Mac uses the macOS system highlight color for selected text. Changing this setting affects selected text in most Mac applications, not only Microsoft Word.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select System Preferences.
In the System Preferences window, click General.
Locate the Highlight color menu and choose your preferred color from the list, or select Other to create a custom color.
Return to Microsoft Word for Mac, select some text, and confirm that the new highlight color appears.
Update Microsoft Word and macOS
Use this solution when the highlight behavior is missing or inconsistent. Outdated Office or macOS versions can cause display and selection issues.
Use WPS Office to highlight selected text directly
Use this solution if you want an Office alternative with built-in highlighter controls that do not depend on macOS system highlight settings.
Switch to WPS Office for Built-in Text Highlighting on Mac
When Word for Mac highlight settings depend on macOS and require system updates, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight Office alternative with built-in highlight controls, full .docx compatibility, and a familiar ribbon interface so you can edit documents without changing your workflow.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the WPS Office website and download the macOS version for free.
- 2. Install and launch WPS Office: Open the downloaded file, install WPS Office, and launch WPS Writer.
- 3. Open your Word document: Click Open and choose the .docx document you want to edit.
- 4. Use the highlighter: Select text and click the Highlight button on the Home tab to apply the color you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the highlighted text color setting in Word for Mac?
Word for Mac does not have its own selected-text highlight color setting. Open System Preferences > General and use the Highlight color menu.
Why is my selected text not highlighted in Word for Mac?
Check that your Microsoft Word and macOS are up to date. In Word, click Help > Check for Updates, and in System Preferences open Software Update. Then re-check the Highlight color under System Preferences > General.
Does changing the macOS highlight color affect other applications?
Yes. The highlight color in System Preferences > General is a system-wide setting, so it also affects selected text in many other Mac applications.
Can I set a custom highlight color for selected text on Mac?
Yes. In System Preferences > General, click the Highlight color menu and choose Other to create a custom color.
Can WPS Office open and highlight my Word for Mac documents?
Yes. WPS Writer opens and saves .docx files and provides a built-in Highlight Color tool on the Home tab, independent of the macOS system highlight setting.
