Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set a Custom HEX Color in PowerPoint for iPad

Olivia Miller Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to apply a specific custom HEX color code to elements within a presentation using the PowerPoint app on an iPad.

How to Set Custom HEX Colors in PowerPoint for iPad

Product: Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Designing or editing a presentation on an iPad and needing to match exact brand colors using HEX codes.
Observed behavior: The PowerPoint for iPad application only provides preset color options, and the eyedropper tool or direct HEX color input box is missing from the interface.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to a desktop computer with PowerPoint installed, as you will need the desktop version to initially apply exact HEX colors to your presentation elements.

Solution 1Recommended

Use PowerPoint Desktop to Apply the Custom HEX Color

Since the iPad app lacks direct HEX input, the most reliable workaround is applying your custom color on a desktop computer and then continuing your work on the iPad.

PowerPoint for iPad is a streamlined version of the desktop software and does not include every advanced design feature. To use an exact HEX color code or the eyedropper tool, you must temporarily switch to the desktop application.

Save your presentation to the cloud

Make sure your current PowerPoint presentation is saved to OneDrive or another cloud storage service accessible from both your iPad and desktop.

Open the file on a desktop computer

Launch PowerPoint on your Windows or Mac computer and open the presentation from your cloud storage.

Apply the HEX color code

Select the text or shape you want to color. Go to the Home tab, click the Font Color or Shape Fill dropdown, and select 'More Colors'. Navigate to the 'Custom' tab and enter your specific HEX code.

Save and reopen on iPad

Save the changes on your desktop. When you reopen the file in PowerPoint for iPad, the elements will retain your custom HEX color.

Use PowerPoint Desktop to Apply the Custom HEX Color

Color Matching Tip: Once the custom color is applied via desktop, you can often use the 'Format Painter' tool on your iPad to copy the custom color to other elements in the presentation.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

Let Microsoft know that adding HEX color input to the iPad app is important for your workflow by submitting official feedback.

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Try WPS Office for Your Presentation Needs

If you frequently encounter limitations with standard Office apps on your mobile devices, WPS Office provides a free, feature-rich, and lightweight alternative for viewing and editing presentations on the go.

1. Download WPS Office: Search for WPS Office in the App Store on your iPad and install the free application.
2. Open your presentation: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .pptx files directly from your device or cloud storage.
3. Edit with ease: Enjoy a familiar, highly compatible editing interface for all your presentation, document, and spreadsheet needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the eyedropper tool missing in PowerPoint for iPad?

PowerPoint for iPad is designed as a streamlined, touch-friendly application. To keep the interface simple and optimize performance for mobile devices, Microsoft has omitted certain advanced desktop features, including the eyedropper and custom HEX color input.

Can I copy and paste a colored shape from another app to get the custom color?

Sometimes. If you copy a shape or text box that already has your desired custom color from another slide or a compatible app, pasting it into your iPad presentation will often retain the formatting. You can then duplicate that shape as needed.

Will Microsoft add HEX color support to PowerPoint for iOS in the future?

Microsoft regularly rolls out updates and new features for its mobile applications. While there is no official timeline, submitting a feature request through the 'Suggest a Feature' option in the app helps prioritize this addition.

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