Fix Hard-to-See Text Selection in Word or Outlook for Mac
Question details
Make selected text easier to see in Word or Outlook for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word and Outlook for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Selecting text in a Word document or an Outlook message on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The selection highlight is barely visible.
Select some text in Word or an Outlook message so you can compare the highlight as you change macOS settings. Menu names may differ between macOS versions.
Choose a Different macOS Highlight Color
Use a more visible system highlight color when selected text blends into the page or message.
Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Appearance. On older macOS versions, open Apple menu > System Preferences > General.
Open the Highlight color menu and choose a different color that contrasts with the text and background.
Return to Word or Outlook and select text again to check whether the highlight is easier to see.
Adjust macOS Accessibility Display Settings
Check contrast settings if changing the highlight color does not make the selection visible enough.
Test the Highlight in a New macOS User Account
Use a temporary account to check whether the issue is specific to your current macOS profile.
Try WPS Writer as an Alternative for Mac Documents
WPS Office is a free, lightweight alternative with a familiar interface for working with documents on Mac. Open compatible Word files in WPS Writer for an easier transition from Microsoft Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I change the text selection color on a Mac?
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Appearance and choose a Highlight color. On older macOS versions, look under System Preferences > General.
Why does the highlight look lighter in Word than the color I chose?
Word may display a lighter version of the macOS highlight color. Try another color in System Settings > Appearance and compare the result in your document.
Can display contrast make selected text harder to see?
Yes. Check Apple menu > System Settings > Accessibility > Display and test the available contrast controls. Reducing display contrast helped in one reported case.
How can I tell whether my Mac user profile is involved?
Create a test account in System Settings > Users & Groups, sign in to it, and select text in Word or Outlook. A clearer highlight there suggests the issue may be specific to your original profile.
