Office for Mac Issues

How to Fix Text Highlighting Problems in Word 2019 for Mac

Natalie Taylor Oct 19, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve a graphical issue where selecting text in Word 2019 for Mac causes the text to appear blotted out instead of displaying a normal transparent highlight.

How to Fix Text Selection and Highlighting Issues in Word 2019 for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word 2019 for Mac
Device & OS: macOS Ventura
Scenario: Highlighting ordinary text within a standard Word document.
Observed behavior: When selected with the cursor, the text becomes opaque and blotted out rather than appearing transparent as it normally should.

Before you start

Before attempting advanced troubleshooting, restart your Mac to clear out any temporary graphical rendering glitches that might be affecting Microsoft Word.

Solution 1Recommended

Update macOS and Microsoft Office

Updating both your operating system and the Word application ensures you have the latest patches for known graphical and rendering bugs.

Software updates frequently include fixes for display anomalies. Ensure your macOS Ventura is on the latest sub-version and your Office 2019 installation is fully up to date.

Check and update Word

Open Microsoft Word. In the top Apple menu bar, click on 'Help' and select 'Check for Updates' to install the latest available version.

Check and update macOS

Click the Apple menu in the top left corner, select 'System Settings', go to 'General', and click 'Software Update' to install any pending macOS updates.

Check Versions: If you need to contact support later, note your exact Word version via 'Word' > 'About Microsoft Word' and your macOS version via 'Apple menu' > 'About This Mac'.

Solution 2

Disable Conflicting Word Add-ins

Third-party add-ins and writing utilities can sometimes interfere with how text is displayed and selected in Word.

Solution 3

Test Across Different Documents

Testing different files helps determine if the text blotting issue is isolated to a specific corrupted document or affects the entire Word application.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Glitch-Free Experience on Mac

If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with text rendering bugs and graphical glitches on macOS Ventura, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration without the display issues.

1. Download for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installation package.
2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open your files: Launch WPS Writer and directly open your existing Word documents to continue working without graphical glitches.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight design optimized for smooth performance on macOSFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-learn interfaceFewer third-party plugin conflicts to ensure stable text rendering

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my highlighted text in Word blacked out on Mac?

This graphical glitch usually occurs due to an outdated version of Microsoft Word, an outdated macOS version, or conflicts with third-party helper applications and add-ins like grammar checkers.

Can browser extensions cause text selection issues in Word?

No, browser extensions do not affect the Microsoft Word desktop application. However, dedicated Office add-ins or system-wide utility tools running in the background can interfere with how text is displayed.

How do I check my Word version on macOS?

Open Microsoft Word, click on 'Word' in the top-left corner of the macOS menu bar, and select 'About Microsoft Word'. This will display a dialog box showing your exact version number and license details.

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