How to use NEW Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

For those of you who are familiar with the ‘dark mode’ feature within Microsoft Word, you will be aware that this has been available for some time. This can be really useful if you are sitting in front of a document for a while as it can begin to strain your eyes so this feature is great as an alternative preference.

However, the Dark Theme in Word is now even more extensive.

So, what has changed?

Previously, you could use Word with a dark ribbon and toolbars, but your document colour stayed bright white. Now, Dark Mode in Word offers a dark canvas as well!

If you’re not familiar with the ‘dark mode’ theme take a look at how you can use it…

Microsoft Office includes black and dark gray themes which are available in apps including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

To change your theme, click the “File” menu at the top left corner of an Office application – Word, Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint:

Click the “Account” option in the sidebar. On the right, open the “Office Theme” dropdown menu, and then select your desired theme.

The default theme in Office 2016 is “Colorful,” but you can also select “White” if you would rather see starker whites.

To enable dark mode, select “Black” for the darkest possible Office style.

You can also select “Dark Gray.” This theme uses a lighter dark gray which you might prefer if you find the Black theme too dark.

You can also select a different “Office Background” from here. For example, if you would rather not see a design behind Office’s ribbon bar, click the “Office Background” box and select “No Background.”

These theme and background settings affect all Microsoft Office applications on your system. They even affect Office applications on other Windows PCs, assuming you sign into them with the same Microsoft account.

There’s a second place where you can choose your theme, too. To find it, click File > Options. Ensure the “General” category is selected and look for the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section. Click the “Office Theme” box and choose your desired theme. Click “OK” to save your changes.