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Fix Microsoft Word Equation Editor Highlight Color in Dark Mode
Question details
The user is trying to read and edit equations in Microsoft Word's Dark Mode, but the highlight color makes the white equation text unreadable.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing or selecting mathematical equations within the Equation Editor while Microsoft Word is set to Dark Mode.
- Observed behavior
- The highlight color applied to the selected equation text does not correctly contrast with the white text used in Dark Mode, rendering the equation completely unreadable. The issue persists and returns immediately while typing.
Check for any pending updates in Microsoft 365 (File > Account > Update Options), as Microsoft periodically releases patches that address user-interface glitches in Dark Mode.
Change the Office Theme to White or Colorful
Bypassing Dark Mode temporarily resolves the unreadable highlight issue, as standard themes render equation text and highlights correctly.
Since this is a known interface defect specific to Dark Mode, switching your application theme to a lighter variant is the most reliable way to edit complex equations without visibility issues.
Open Microsoft Word and click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the ribbon.
Select 'Account' from the bottom of the left-hand menu. If you have a document open, you may need to click 'More' first.
Locate the 'Office Theme' dropdown menu and select 'White' or 'Colorful'. Avoid using 'Black' or 'Use system setting' if your system defaults to dark mode.
Return to your document and click inside the Equation Editor. The text and highlight should now contrast properly.
Use the Ctrl Selection Workaround
A temporary quick fix to make the equation highlight readable without forcing you to completely abandon Dark Mode.
Report the Defect to the Microsoft Product Team
Because this is a verified UI development issue, submitting feedback ensures the Microsoft 365 team is aware of how it impacts users.
Try WPS Office for a Flawless Dark Mode Experience
If user-interface bugs in Microsoft Word are slowing down your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable and visually comfortable dark mode, a powerful built-in equation editor, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats for free.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files without losing any equation formatting.
- 3. Enable Dark Mode and Edit: Switch on Dark Mode in WPS Writer and edit your equations seamlessly with perfect text visibility and contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the equation highlight turn white in Word Dark Mode?
This is a known user-interface development defect in Microsoft Word. The application fails to properly adjust or invert the Equation Editor's highlight color to contrast with the white text used in Dark Mode, rendering the characters invisible.
Can I permanently fix the equation highlight without leaving Dark Mode?
Currently, there is no permanent setting to fix this specific bug within Microsoft Word's Dark Mode. You must either temporarily change your Office theme to White or use the Ctrl-selection workaround until Microsoft releases a patch.
Will Microsoft patch the Equation Editor dark mode bug?
Microsoft prioritizes bug fixes based on user feedback. You can help accelerate a solution by using the Help > Feedback tool in Word to report the issue directly to the Microsoft 365 development team.
Does WPS Office support editing Microsoft Word equations?
Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) files. It features its own robust Equation Editor that allows you to open, view, and modify complex mathematical formulas without the UI glitches found in other software.
