Office for Mac Issues

How to Make Word Text Selection Highlight More Visible on Mac

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a way to make the temporary text selection highlight color more visible when selecting text in Microsoft Word on a Mac.

How to Make Text Selection Highlight More Visible in Word for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Selecting text in a Word document where the default highlight color is too faint to see clearly.
Observed behavior: The text selection highlight is extremely faint, and there is no built-in Word setting to independently adjust the temporary selection contrast or color.

Before you start

Verify your current macOS version and Microsoft Word version, as running severely outdated builds (like version 16.33) can cause UI display issues.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Word to the Latest Supported Version

Updating Word ensures you have the latest bug fixes and UI improvements tailored for your specific macOS version.

Running older builds of Office, such as version 16.33, can lead to graphical glitches including faint selection highlights. If you are using an older operating system like macOS 10.13 High Sierra, you should update Office to version 16.43, which is the final supported release for that OS.

Open Microsoft Word

Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac and open any blank document.

Check for Updates

Click on 'Help' in the top Apple menu bar, then select 'Check for Updates'.

Install Available Updates

Follow the prompts in the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool to download and install the latest supported version of Word for your macOS.

Update Microsoft Word to the Latest Supported Version

Version Compatibility: Always ensure your Microsoft Office version aligns with your macOS generation to prevent unexpected display issues.

Solution 2

Adjust macOS System Highlight and Accessibility Settings

Since Word uses the macOS system settings for text selection, changing the system-wide highlight color and contrast can resolve the issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Clearer Document Editing with WPS Office for Mac

If Microsoft Word for Mac is running poorly on older macOS versions or displaying faint UI elements, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, visually clear, and lightweight alternative that works smoothly across various Mac operating systems.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office.
2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded file and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word files to edit with a clear and responsive user interface.

Free, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft OfficeFully compatible with Microsoft Word formats like .docx and .docClear, modern user interface with highly visible text selectionRuns seamlessly even on older macOS machines without lagging

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the text selection color directly inside Word for Mac?

No, Microsoft Word for Mac does not include an application-specific setting to customize the temporary text selection color. It relies entirely on the system-wide highlight color configured in your macOS display settings.

What is the highest Word version supported on macOS 10.13 High Sierra?

The final supported Microsoft Office release for macOS 10.13 High Sierra is version 16.43. Attempting to update beyond this version requires upgrading to a newer macOS.

Why doesn't the Highlight button in Word fix my selection visibility?

The Highlight tool found in the Word ribbon applies permanent background formatting to your text. It does not alter the temporary, system-generated highlight color that appears only while you click and drag your cursor over text.

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