Office for Mac Issues

Fix Custom Theme Font Weights Not Showing in Word for Mac

Amos Gikunda Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where custom XML themes fail to apply specific font weights, defaulting to the regular font weight instead.

How to Fix Custom Theme Font Weights in Word for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Creating and applying a custom XML theme file to define specific font weights (such as bold or light) for headings and body text.
Observed behavior: The custom XML theme ignores the requested font weights and displays the base font (e.g., Frutiger Regular) for all text styles.

Before you start

Ensure that the font family you are referencing in your XML file is fully installed on your macOS system via Font Book and that all individual weight files (e.g., Bold, Light) are active.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Exact Font Face Names or Apply Base Family Styles

Modify your XML theme file to use the exact individual font face names or apply weights manually via Word's built-in style settings.

Because Word for Mac lacks a native option to create new theme fonts under Design > Fonts, users rely on XML files. However, macOS font rendering often requires exact PostScript font names when calling specific weights from an XML file.

Find the Exact Font Name

Open Font Book on your Mac, select the font weight you want to use, and verify its exact name (e.g., 'Frutiger Bold' rather than just 'Frutiger').

Update the XML Theme File

Open your custom XML theme file in a text editor and update the font tags to use this exact individual face name instead of the base family name.

Modify Styles in Word

Alternatively, if using the base family name in the XML, open Word and navigate to the Menu Bar > Format > Style.

Apply Weights to Styles

Select your specific Heading or Body styles, click 'Modify', and manually apply the desired font weight formatting directly to the styles.

Advanced Development Support: If modifying the XML does not resolve the issue, it may require advanced template code adjustments. Consider seeking help in the Microsoft Q&A Office Development forum.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage Styles and Fonts with WPS Office for Mac

If creating custom XML themes in Word for Mac is proving too complex or buggy, try WPS Office. It offers an intuitive, user-friendly interface for managing document styles, fonts, and themes without requiring advanced XML coding.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
2. Open Your Document: Open your existing .docx document or template in WPS Writer.
3. Manage Styles Visually: Use the Styles pane on the Home tab to easily configure Heading and Body font weights without writing XML.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx, .doc, .dotx).Easy-to-use visual style modification directly from the Home ribbon.Reliable font rendering across different operating systems including macOS.Lightweight and fast, saving system resources on your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Word for Mac let me create a new theme font natively?

Unlike the Windows version, Microsoft Word for Mac does not include a native UI option under Design > Fonts to create custom theme fonts. Mac users often have to manually create and import XML theme files as a workaround.

How do I find the exact font name to use in my XML file?

Open the 'Font Book' application on your Mac, select the font, and click the 'Info' icon. Look for the 'PostScript name' or 'Full name' to ensure you are referencing the exact specific weight (e.g., Frutiger-Bold).

Can I apply font weights directly to placeholders without changing the XML?

Yes. You can define the base font family in your theme, then go to Format > Style in Word to manually edit the styles for Headings and Body, applying the Bold or Light formatting directly to the styles.

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