Office Settings & Configuration

How to Restore Standard Colors in Microsoft Office Themes

Steve K Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to use standard colors like red, green, yellow, and blue instead of the soft pastel colors generated by customized Microsoft Office themes.

How to Restore Standard Colors in Microsoft Office Themes

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting text, shapes, or objects in a document where a specific color scheme or theme is currently active.
Observed behavior: The color selection menu predominantly displays soft pastel theme colors, making it seem as though the standard, vibrant color palette has been removed or replaced.

Before you start

Verify whether the pastel colors are only appearing in your Microsoft Office applications or across your entire computer. If your entire screen looks washed out, you may need to adjust your Windows display or high contrast settings rather than Office themes.

Solution 1Recommended

Access the Standard Colors Menu Directly

Use this method to apply primary colors to specific text or objects without altering the overall document theme.

Applying a new theme in Microsoft Office changes the coordinated 'Theme Colors' to maintain a consistent aesthetic (often pastels). However, the standard color palette is never deleted or removed from the software.

Select your text or object

Highlight the specific text, shape, or chart element in your document that you want to format.

Open the color formatting options

Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon and click the small dropdown arrow next to the 'Font Color' or 'Shape Fill' icon.

Locate the Standard Colors palette

Look at the bottom of the dropdown menu, just below the block of 'Theme Colors'. You will see a separate row labeled 'Standard Colors'.

Apply the standard color

Click on the standard red, light green, light blue, yellow, or other primary color from this row to apply it to your selection.

Access the Standard Colors Menu Directly

Consistent Formatting: Colors chosen from the 'Standard Colors' row will remain exactly the same even if you change the document's theme later.

Solution 2

Revert to the Default Office Theme

Use this solution if you want to completely remove the pastel theme and restore the default Microsoft Office color scheme across the entire document.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Experience Simple Color Management with WPS Office

If navigating complex theme settings in Microsoft Office is slowing you down, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight alternative that features an incredibly intuitive interface where standard color palettes and formatting tools are always prominent and easy to find.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Office files.
3. Apply Standard Colors: Select your text, click the 'Text Color' icon on the Home tab, and choose directly from the always-visible Standard Colors row.

Completely free and lightweight Office suite for everyday tasks100% compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptxFamiliar user interface ensures no learning curve when formatting documentsStandard colors are always visible and distinct from theme settings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my document colors automatically change to pastels?

This happens when a new Document Theme or Quick Style Set is applied to your file. Themes use a coordinated set of colors that override default colors for headings, links, and shapes to maintain a unified visual style.

Will changing my document theme remove the standard colors completely?

No. Standard colors (like pure red, blue, green, and yellow) are permanently hardcoded into the color selection dropdown menu. They are completely independent of the active theme and can always be accessed under the 'Standard Colors' heading.

How do I permanently set my preferred colors for all new documents?

You can customize your theme colors by going to Design > Colors > Customize Colors. Once you set your preferred palette, save it, and then click 'Set as Default' on the Design tab to apply it to all future blank documents.

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