How to Find or Convert Hex Color Codes in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs a method to input or identify exact hexadecimal (Hex) color codes in Microsoft Word to accurately match specific design colors.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Customizing the color of text, shapes, or page backgrounds using exact brand or design color specifications.
- Observed behavior
- The custom color dialog in certain versions of Word only displays RGB or HSL input fields and lacks a dedicated Hexadecimal color input box.
Make sure you have your exact 6-character Hex color code (e.g., #FF5733) copied and ready. If your version of Word requires it, you may also need to open a web browser to use a free Hex-to-RGB color converter.
Use the Built-in Hex Input Field (Newer Versions)
Check if your version of Microsoft Word supports direct Hex code entry in the advanced color options.
Recent updates to Microsoft 365 and Office 2019/2021 have introduced a dedicated Hex field, making it much easier to input precise color codes without relying on third-party conversions.
Select the text or object you wish to modify. Click the Font Color or Shape Fill dropdown on the ribbon and choose 'More Colors'.
In the Colors dialog box, click on the 'Custom' tab located at the top.
Look for the 'Hex' input box at the bottom of the dialog. Delete the existing code, paste your 6-character Hex code (e.g., #0056B3), and click 'OK'.
Convert Hex Code to RGB Values (Older Versions)
If your Word color dialog only offers RGB and HSL models, you can manually convert your Hex code to RGB values.
Repair or Update Microsoft Office
Run an Office Online Repair if the color dialog is completely missing expected features or glitching unexpectedly on Windows 11.
Easily Apply Hex Color Codes with WPS Writer
If you frequently work with specific brand colors, WPS Office features a built-in, highly intuitive color dialog that directly supports Hex color code inputs. Skip the manual conversions and instantly match your precise design colors with this free, lightweight suite.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to edit.
- 2. Access More Colors: Highlight your text or shape, click the Font Color dropdown arrow on the Home tab, and select 'More Colors'.
- 3. Input the Hex Code: In the standard color window, locate the 'Hex' input box at the bottom, paste your 6-digit code, and click 'OK' to instantly apply it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my Microsoft Word have a Hex color box?
Older standalone versions of Microsoft Word (such as Office 2013 and 2016) natively support only RGB and HSL color models in their dialog boxes. Microsoft introduced the dedicated Hex input field in newer versions of Microsoft 365 and Office 2019.
Does converting Hex to RGB lose color accuracy?
No. Hexadecimal and RGB (Red, Green, Blue) are simply two different mathematical ways of expressing the exact same digital color. Converting a Hex code to RGB will result in a 100% accurate color match on your screen.
Can I use HSL instead of RGB for color matching?
Yes. HSL stands for Hue, Saturation, and Luminosity. If your brand guidelines provide HSL values instead of Hex or RGB, you can change the 'Color model' dropdown in Word's Custom Color dialog to 'HSL' and input those numbers directly.
How do I save a custom Hex color for later use in Word?
Once you apply a custom color to text or a shape using its Hex or RGB values, Word automatically saves it under the 'Recent Colors' section in the color dropdown menu. You can easily select it from there without retyping the code for the remainder of your session.
