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Fix Font Color Names Not Appearing on Hover in Office for Mac
Question details
Users report that font color names no longer appear when hovering over the color palette after switching from Windows to Microsoft Office for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to identify specific font colors in documents, which creates a significant accessibility challenge for color-blind users.
- Observed behavior
- Hovering the mouse pointer over a color in the font color palette fails to display a tooltip with the color's name.
Verify your current macOS version and Microsoft Office version (e.g., 16.79.2), as this is a known interface limitation in specific builds of Office for Mac.
Report the Issue via the Built-in Feedback Tool
Since this is a native limitation in Office for Mac, submitting detailed feedback is the most direct way to request a developer fix from Microsoft.
Microsoft Office for Mac currently does not natively support hover labels for font colors. Because this affects accessibility, reporting it directly to the development team helps prioritize a fix.
Launch Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your Mac.
Click on 'Help' in the top macOS menu bar, then select 'Feedback'.
Explain that font color tooltips are missing on hover, emphasizing the accessibility challenge for color-blind users.
Include your exact Office version (e.g., 16.79.2), license type (e.g., Microsoft 365 Subscription), and macOS version (e.g., macOS 14.1.1) in your report.
Utilize macOS Accessibility Tools
Use the native Digital Color Meter app on your Mac to identify colors while waiting for an official Microsoft Office patch.
Try WPS Office for a User-Friendly Mac Experience
If missing features and accessibility challenges in Microsoft Office for Mac are slowing you down, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and intuitive alternative with an interface that feels right at home on macOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do font color names show on Windows but not on Mac in Office?
Microsoft Office uses different interface frameworks for Windows and macOS. The current version of Office for Mac lacks native programming support for displaying text tooltips when hovering over the color palette.
Is there a setting I can turn on to show color names on hover in Mac Word?
No, there is currently no built-in setting or toggle in Microsoft Office for Mac to enable font color name tooltips. It requires an architectural update from Microsoft developers.
How do I find my current Office for Mac version to submit feedback?
Open any Office application, such as Word. Click on 'Word' in the top left corner of the Apple menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Word'. A dialog box will display your exact version number and subscription license type.
