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How to Restore the Original Blue Gantt Bar Color and Find Its Hex Value

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to identify the exact hex color value for the default blue Gantt bar in Microsoft Project and needs to know how to restore this original color if it was modified.

How to Restore the Original Blue Gantt Bar Color and Find Its Hex Value

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Standardizing project timelines and fixing modified formatting on Gantt charts.
Observed behavior: The exact hex value (#8ABBED) is needed to match the default blue Gantt bar, or a straightforward method is required to reset customized bars back to this default appearance.

Before you start

Ensure you have your project file open and are currently in the Gantt Chart view to modify or reset task bar colors.

Solution 1Recommended

Reset Individual Gantt Bar Formatting

The quickest way to get the original blue color back is to reset the individual Gantt bar's formatting to its default state.

If you have accidentally changed a specific task bar's color and want to revert it, you do not need to manually guess the color. Microsoft Project has a built-in reset function for individual bars.

Select the Task Bar

In the Gantt Chart view, locate the specific task whose bar color you want to revert and double-click the bar itself.

Reset Formatting

When the 'Format Bar' dialog box appears, click the 'Reset' button at the bottom. This will immediately restore the bar to its default blue color and shape.

Quick Formatting: This method is perfect for fixing one-off formatting mistakes without affecting your global Gantt chart styles.

Solution 2

Apply the Original Blue Hex Color Value Manually

If you are creating custom styles or need to input the exact color code, use the universally recognized hex value for the default blue.

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While specialized project software requires a costly subscription, you can seamlessly manage project timelines, build custom Gantt charts, and track tasks for free using WPS Spreadsheet. Enjoy high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats in a lightweight, familiar interface.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open a new Spreadsheet to start planning your project.
2. Use a Gantt Chart Template: Search for 'Gantt Chart' in the WPS Template library to instantly generate a professional project timeline.
3. Customize Bar Colors: Select the data bars in your timeline, right-click to format cells, and apply your preferred hex colors to track tasks visually.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact hex code for the default Microsoft Project blue?

The widely accepted hex color value for the default Microsoft Project Gantt bar is #8ABBED. However, this exact shade can shift slightly depending on your active Office theme.

Why did my Gantt bar color change to black?

By default, the task text formatting is black, while normal task bars are blue. If the bar itself turns black, it may be due to a global theme change or accidentally applied custom formatting. You can easily reset it via the Format Bar dialog.

How do I format multiple Gantt bars at once instead of individually?

To format multiple bars globally, you should use the 'Bar Styles' dialog box (accessible by right-clicking the chart background and selecting Bar Styles) rather than double-clicking a single bar. This allows you to set the color for an entire category of tasks, such as all 'Normal' tasks.

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