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Office Settings & Configuration

How to Restore Style Names in the Word 2019 Styles Gallery

Amos GikundaAmos Gikunda Oct 21, 2026 868 views

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.

How to Restore Style Names in the Microsoft Word 2019 Styles 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.
Before you start

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.

Solution 1Recommended

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.

1
Open the Home Tab

Launch Microsoft Word 2019, open your document, and navigate to the Home tab on the main ribbon.

2
Launch the Styles Pane

Locate the Styles group and click the small dialog box launcher arrow in the bottom right corner (or press Alt+Ctrl+Shift+S).

3
Review Your Styles

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.

Use the Styles Pane to View Names and Formatting
Pinning the Pane: You can click and drag the Styles pane to dock it permanently to the right or left side of your workspace for uninterrupted access while editing.
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  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free version of WPS Office for your operating system.
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  3. 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.
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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.