How to Restore Style Names in the Word 2019 Styles Gallery
Question details
Users need to accurately identify style names and their corresponding formats in Microsoft Word, which currently appear changed or obscured in the Quick Style Gallery.

- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to find, review, and apply specific text styles to a document using the Quick Style Gallery.
- Observed behavior
- Style formatting displays differently in the Quick Style Gallery, often showing without standard formatting clues and making it difficult to read or identify the actual style names.
Ensure your document has existing text and that you are working from the Home tab where the Styles group is located before adjusting your gallery settings.
Use the Styles Pane to View Names and Formatting
The most reliable method to view both the style names and their precise formatting without relying on the Quick Style Gallery.
Launch Microsoft Word 2019, open your document, and navigate to the Home tab on the main ribbon.
Locate the Styles group and click the small dialog box launcher arrow in the bottom right corner (or press Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S).
A dedicated Styles pane will open on the right side of your screen. This list clearly displays all style names alongside their visual formatting for easy identification and application.

Expand the Quick Styles Gallery
If you can see some style names but are missing others, you can fully expand the gallery to view all currently active Quick Styles.
Turn Off the Visual Refresh Preview (If Available)
If your Word interface has been altered by Microsoft's Visual Refresh, disabling this feature can sometimes restore the classic Quick Style Gallery layout.
Avoid Cluttered Interface Updates with WPS Office
Tired of unexpected interface changes like the Visual Refresh in Microsoft Word? WPS Office provides a stable, intuitive, and highly compatible alternative for all your document processing needs without the confusion of shifting menus.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Word Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files. Your formatting and styles will remain completely intact.
- 3. Access the Classic Styles Gallery: Navigate to the Home tab to effortlessly view, apply, and manage your styles using an intuitive and stable layout.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Style Gallery suddenly change its appearance in Word 2019?
The change is often triggered by Microsoft rolling out 'Visual Refresh' interface updates. While intended for Microsoft 365, these updates sometimes overlap with Office 2019 installations, altering how style names and formatting are displayed in the ribbon.
Should I temporarily install Microsoft 365 to fix my Word 2019 Styles Gallery?
No. While some workarounds suggest installing Microsoft 365 to disable the new interface and then reinstalling Office 2019, this process is highly discouraged as it can lead to software conflicts, licensing errors, and corrupt installations.
How can I modify a style once I find it in the Styles pane?
Simply open the Styles pane, hover your mouse over the style name you wish to change, click the drop-down arrow that appears next to it, and select 'Modify'. This opens a dialog box where you can update fonts, colors, and paragraph spacing for that specific style.




