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How to Change Headline Color and Font Style in Microsoft Sway

Partner Editor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to locate the settings for modifying the font style and color of headlines within Microsoft Sway.

How to Change Headline Color and Font Style in Microsoft Sway

Product: Microsoft Sway
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the visual appearance and text formatting of a Sway presentation.
Observed behavior: The user wants to change headline fonts and colors but cannot find the specific formatting options in the Sway interface.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account and have opened the Sway presentation you wish to edit in your web browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Design and Styles Menu to Customize Headlines

Microsoft Sway handles text formatting through global styles rather than individual text selection. Use the Design tab to change overall colors and fonts.

Unlike traditional word processors or presentation tools, Microsoft Sway applies design choices globally. To change how your headlines look, you need to adjust the presentation's overall style palette.

Open the Design Tab

In your open Sway presentation, look at the top menu bar and click on the 'Design' option to switch out of the Storyline view.

Access the Styles Pane

On the right side of the Design view, click the 'Styles' button to open the formatting sidebar.

Customize Font and Color

You can select a pre-made style or click the 'Customize' button. In the customization menu, you can adjust the color palette and select specific font pairings that will automatically apply to your headlines.

Use the Design and Styles Menu to Customize Headlines

Previewing Changes: Always click the Play button to preview your Sway presentation after making style changes. This ensures the headline colors and fonts display correctly across different screen sizes.

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Get Precise Control Over Presentation Design with WPS Office

While Microsoft Sway uses global styles that restrict individual text formatting, WPS Presentation offers complete, fine-grained control over every headline, font, and color. Switch to WPS Office for a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open WPS Presentation: Launch the application and create a new presentation or open an existing PowerPoint file.
3. Customize Your Text: Simply highlight any headline text, navigate to the Home tab, and directly apply your desired font style, size, and specific color.

Precise control over individual text colors, fonts, and sizes without global theme restrictionsSeamlessly compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx) formatsRich library of free, professional presentation templatesLightweight application with a familiar and intuitive user interface

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of just one specific headline in Microsoft Sway?

No, Microsoft Sway is designed around global themes to maintain visual consistency. To change text colors, you must adjust the overall color palette in the Styles menu, which applies to the entire presentation rather than individual words or single headlines.

Why are my font choices limited in the Sway customize menu?

Sway provides curated font pairings to ensure professional design and high readability. You cannot upload custom fonts; you are required to choose from the specific typography pairs provided in the Customize section of the Styles pane.

How do I return to editing my text after changing the Sway design?

After you finish adjusting the colors and fonts in the Design view, simply click on the 'Storyline' tab at the top-left corner of the screen to return to your text and media cards.

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