What Is Dark Mode in Microsoft Word (and How to Turn It on)?

Dark mode is a new trend that’s everywhere right now. Many people like the look of dark mode because it looks sleek and modern. 

Dark Mode Style CertificateDark Mode Style CertificateDark Mode Style Certificate
Dark mode style in Word documents emulates the look of dark mode on the computer screen.

There are some other benefits like possibly reducing blue light exposure and screen glare too. It’s also been said that dark mode is less harsh than light mode. (See this article in All About Vision to learn more.)

Keep reading to find out what dark mode is and how to turn it on and off in Microsoft Word. We’ll also cover some dark background tips so you can have the best document.

What Is Dark Mode?

You may have wondered “why is my Microsoft Word black?” The answer is that it’s probably in dark mode. What is dark mode?

According to Forbes,

“Dark mode is a display setting for user interfaces… It means that, instead of the default dark text showing up against a light screen (known as ‘light mode’), a light color text (white or grey) is presented against a dark or black screen.”

For most electronics, the light mode is the default setting. But some people prefer dark mode because it can reduce the light the electronic device emits while keeping the screen readable.

There are many reasons that some people prefer dark mode over light mode. Some view dark mode as chic and sleek looking. There can possibly even be some health benefits to using dark mode.

According to Healthline,

“Fans of dark mode claim that it can increase the amount of contrast between the text that you’re reading and the background. This would, in theory, make it easier to read on your device. Since reading for long spans of time on a screen can lead to eye strain and dry eye…”

Not only can dark mode possibly reduce eye strain, but it can cut down on blue light exposure as well.

How to Turn Dark Mode On and Off in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re using Microsoft Word in Light or Dark mode won’t affect your template’s background. But you may wish to choose a template with a dark mode design.

I’m using Microsoft Word Version 16.71 on macOS. If you’ve got a different operating system or a different version of the software, your results may be slightly different.

1. Use a Dark Mode Template

This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.
This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.

Use a dark mode template to get that cool and sleek look. This tutorial uses the Dark Resume Word from Envato Elements.

This template is a resume and cover letter set. It comes with both a Microsoft Word file and an Adobe Illustrator file. This template also comes in A4 paper size, which is a common size.

2. How to Turn on Dark Mode

If you’re currently on light mode and want to change to dark mode in Microsoft Word, you can do it. Here’s what Microsoft Word looks like in Light mode:

This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.
This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode (Print Layout view).

Click Word at the top of your browser screen to turn on dark mode in Microsoft Word. Then, from the menu that drops down, choose the Preferences option. When you click Preferences, a Word Preferences menu appears. It looks like this:

Preferences menuPreferences menuPreferences menu
Word Preferences menu

From the Word Preferences menu, click on General.

GeneralGeneralGeneral
General dialog box.

Next, under the Personalize section, click on the circle next to the option Dark Mode has a dark page color.

If you prefer dark mode with a white page color, choose Dark Mode has a white page color.

Here’s what it’ll look like with dark mode, but with a white page (Print Layout view):

Dark mode with a white page.Dark mode with a white page.Dark mode with a white page.
Dark mode with a white page (Print Layout view).

3. How to Turn Off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

If your Microsoft Word somehow is already in dark mode and you want to know how to get Microsoft Word out of dark mode, here’s how. First, click on Word at the top of your screen. Next, click Preferences.

PreferencesPreferencesPreferences
Use Preferences to turn dark mode off and on.

Once you click Preferences, a window appears. From that window, choose General.

General General General
General

In the General window, under the Personalize section, click on the circle next to Turn off Dark Mode. Here’s what it should look like once you’ve changed Microsoft Word back to light mode:

Microsoft Word light modeMicrosoft Word light modeMicrosoft Word light mode
Microsoft Word light mode with a dark theme document. (Print layout view)

How to Customize a Premium Dark Mode Microsoft Word Template

You can take advantage of the dark mode trend by using dark mode for your Microsoft Word documents. Here’s how to customize a premium dark-mode Microsoft Word template:

1. Download a Template

This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.
This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.

When you use a dark mode template, you don’t need to turn on dark mode in Microsoft Word. Although, I’m using dark mode in this tutorial.

This tutorial uses the premium Letterhead Word Template from Envato Elements. This template comes in A4 size (210×297 mm) with a 3mm bleed. You can edit the template in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Word. The Letterhead Word Template already comes with a dark background.

2. Contrasting Font Color

How to change the font color.How to change the font color.How to change the font color.
How to change the font color.

This template comes with a white font. Most premium templates come with a contrasting font. You can change it to a different contrasting color if you don’t want to use a white font.

To change the font color, begin on the Home tab. First, highlight the font that you want to change the color of. Then, in the toolbar, click on the Font Color button. When you click on this button, a color menu appears. Choose the color that you want.

3. Add an Image

How to add an image.How to add an image.How to add an image.
How to add an image.

Images can make a point clearer or give the reader information. If you’ve got a dark mode background in Microsoft Word, use an image with light colors. Using dark colors on a dark background could make it difficult to see the image.

To add an image, click on the Insert tab. Next, click on the Pictures button in the toolbar.

When you click on the Pictures button, you’ll get a menu. Choose the correct option depending on where your image file is located.

Once you’ve located your image, double-click on the image file. It’ll be added to your template. Adjust the image as needed.

4. Contrasting Shapes

How to change the color of a shape.How to change the color of a shape.How to change the color of a shape.
How to change the color of a shape. (Graphic Source: Envato Elements)

Most premium templates come with shapes or objects that decorate the template. You can change the color of these shapes.

In this template, I created a circle. Let’s change the color of it. Begin by clicking on the shape. Next, a Shape Format tab appears. Click on that tab. Next, click on arrow next to the Shape Fill button in the toolbar. From the color menu that drops down, choose a color.

5. Save as a PDF

How to save as a PDF.How to save as a PDF.How to save as a PDF.
How to save as a PDF.

If you want to send your dark mode Word file over email, it’s easy to turn it into a PDF.

First, click on File at the very top of your browser screen. Next, choose Save as an option. A window appears. Next to File Format, click on the arrow and choose PDF.

Tips for Working With a Dark Background

If you want to use a dark mode template or use MS Word in dark mode, here are some tips to remember:

For this tips sections we’re using the Dark Resume Word template from Envato Elements. If you’ve got a different dark mode template, your results may vary.

1. Use Light Text Colors

The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.
The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second paragraph is dark blue and hard to see.

When you’ve got a dark background, anything you put on that background, such as text, images, or shapes, should be light. This is because you want the viewer to see what you’re putting on the background.

Using a dark color can blend in with the background and be hard to see. In the example above, the first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see because dark blue doesn’t contrast well with black.

2. Use Minimal Text

Unfortunately, dark backgrounds can make your document hard to read. When there’s a lot of white text on a dark background, it can cause eye strain. Most documents with a lot of text are hard to read.

To counteract this, break up the text with an image or shapes.

3. Use Dark Grey Instead of Black

This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.
This template comes with a dark grey column. The text on the gray background is a bit easier to read than the text with the Microsoft Word black background.

Some people find a pure Microsoft Word black background difficult to see, so consider a dark grey background instead.

4. Use Images

Images are a great tool to help your audience visualize a point. If you’re using an image on a dark background, you should use an image with light colors.

You want the image to be noticeable and not blend into the background. If the image colors are dark, like the background, they can be hard to see.

5. Use Sans Serif Fonts

As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.
As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.

Use sans-serif fonts when you’ve got a dark background. Sans-serif fonts don’t have flourishes, making them easier to see on a dark background.

Typical font sizes are 12-14. When you’re using a font with flourishes in that size, it can make the letters blend and become unreadable. Some sans-serif fonts include Arial and Helvetica.

The Top Source for Dark Theme Word Templates

Find Dark Mode Word Templates

Envato Elements is a great place to find the best dark-themed Word templates. It’s a monthly subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee and gain unlimited access to digital assets with unlimited use. These digital assets include:

  • Word templates
  • graphics
  • fonts
  • and more

Professionals make every template look stylish and impressive. This means that you’ll stand out. Using a premium template saves you time because the template is already designed. All you need to do is add text and images, and you’re done. If you like to customize your documents, you still can. A good template is easily customizable.

Download a Premium Dark Mode Template Today!

Now that you know all about dark mode and how to use dark mode in Microsoft Word. Try using a dark mode template for your next project. Remember, Envato Elements is the best value for premium templates. Download a template today!

Dark mode is a new trend that’s everywhere right now. Many people like the look of dark mode because it looks sleek and modern. 

Dark Mode Style CertificateDark Mode Style CertificateDark Mode Style Certificate
Dark mode style in Word documents emulates the look of dark mode on the computer screen.

There are some other benefits like possibly reducing blue light exposure and screen glare too. It’s also been said that dark mode is less harsh than light mode. (See this article in All About Vision to learn more.)

Keep reading to find out what dark mode is and how to turn it on and off in Microsoft Word. We’ll also cover some dark background tips so you can have the best document.

What Is Dark Mode?

You may have wondered “why is my Microsoft Word black?” The answer is that it’s probably in dark mode. What is dark mode?

According to Forbes,

“Dark mode is a display setting for user interfaces… It means that, instead of the default dark text showing up against a light screen (known as ‘light mode’), a light color text (white or grey) is presented against a dark or black screen.”

For most electronics, the light mode is the default setting. But some people prefer dark mode because it can reduce the light the electronic device emits while keeping the screen readable.

There are many reasons that some people prefer dark mode over light mode. Some view dark mode as chic and sleek looking. There can possibly even be some health benefits to using dark mode.

According to Healthline,

“Fans of dark mode claim that it can increase the amount of contrast between the text that you’re reading and the background. This would, in theory, make it easier to read on your device. Since reading for long spans of time on a screen can lead to eye strain and dry eye…”

Not only can dark mode possibly reduce eye strain, but it can cut down on blue light exposure as well.

How to Turn Dark Mode On and Off in Microsoft Word

Whether you’re using Microsoft Word in Light or Dark mode won’t affect your template’s background. But you may wish to choose a template with a dark mode design.

I’m using Microsoft Word Version 16.71 on macOS. If you’ve got a different operating system or a different version of the software, your results may be slightly different.

1. Use a Dark Mode Template

This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.
This premium dark mode template is from Envato Elements.

Use a dark mode template to get that cool and sleek look. This tutorial uses the Dark Resume Word from Envato Elements.

This template is a resume and cover letter set. It comes with both a Microsoft Word file and an Adobe Illustrator file. This template also comes in A4 paper size, which is a common size.

2. How to Turn on Dark Mode

If you’re currently on light mode and want to change to dark mode in Microsoft Word, you can do it. Here’s what Microsoft Word looks like in Light mode:

This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode.
This is what Microsoft Word looks like in light mode (Print Layout view).

Click Word at the top of your browser screen to turn on dark mode in Microsoft Word. Then, from the menu that drops down, choose the Preferences option. When you click Preferences, a Word Preferences menu appears. It looks like this:

Preferences menuPreferences menuPreferences menu
Word Preferences menu

From the Word Preferences menu, click on General.

GeneralGeneralGeneral
General dialog box.

Next, under the Personalize section, click on the circle next to the option Dark Mode has a dark page color.

If you prefer dark mode with a white page color, choose Dark Mode has a white page color.

Here’s what it’ll look like with dark mode, but with a white page (Print Layout view):

Dark mode with a white page.Dark mode with a white page.Dark mode with a white page.
Dark mode with a white page (Print Layout view).

3. How to Turn Off Dark Mode in Microsoft Word

If your Microsoft Word somehow is already in dark mode and you want to know how to get Microsoft Word out of dark mode, here’s how. First, click on Word at the top of your screen. Next, click Preferences.

PreferencesPreferencesPreferences
Use Preferences to turn dark mode off and on.

Once you click Preferences, a window appears. From that window, choose General.

General General General
General

In the General window, under the Personalize section, click on the circle next to Turn off Dark Mode. Here’s what it should look like once you’ve changed Microsoft Word back to light mode:

Microsoft Word light modeMicrosoft Word light modeMicrosoft Word light mode
Microsoft Word light mode with a dark theme document. (Print layout view)

How to Customize a Premium Dark Mode Microsoft Word Template

You can take advantage of the dark mode trend by using dark mode for your Microsoft Word documents. Here’s how to customize a premium dark-mode Microsoft Word template:

1. Download a Template

This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.
This dark mode letterhead template is from Envato Elements.

When you use a dark mode template, you don’t need to turn on dark mode in Microsoft Word. Although, I’m using dark mode in this tutorial.

This tutorial uses the premium Letterhead Word Template from Envato Elements. This template comes in A4 size (210×297 mm) with a 3mm bleed. You can edit the template in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Word. The Letterhead Word Template already comes with a dark background.

2. Contrasting Font Color

How to change the font color.How to change the font color.How to change the font color.
How to change the font color.

This template comes with a white font. Most premium templates come with a contrasting font. You can change it to a different contrasting color if you don’t want to use a white font.

To change the font color, begin on the Home tab. First, highlight the font that you want to change the color of. Then, in the toolbar, click on the Font Color button. When you click on this button, a color menu appears. Choose the color that you want.

3. Add an Image

How to add an image.How to add an image.How to add an image.
How to add an image.

Images can make a point clearer or give the reader information. If you’ve got a dark mode background in Microsoft Word, use an image with light colors. Using dark colors on a dark background could make it difficult to see the image.

To add an image, click on the Insert tab. Next, click on the Pictures button in the toolbar.

When you click on the Pictures button, you’ll get a menu. Choose the correct option depending on where your image file is located.

Once you’ve located your image, double-click on the image file. It’ll be added to your template. Adjust the image as needed.

4. Contrasting Shapes

How to change the color of a shape.How to change the color of a shape.How to change the color of a shape.
How to change the color of a shape. (Graphic Source: Envato Elements)

Most premium templates come with shapes or objects that decorate the template. You can change the color of these shapes.

In this template, I created a circle. Let’s change the color of it. Begin by clicking on the shape. Next, a Shape Format tab appears. Click on that tab. Next, click on arrow next to the Shape Fill button in the toolbar. From the color menu that drops down, choose a color.

5. Save as a PDF

How to save as a PDF.How to save as a PDF.How to save as a PDF.
How to save as a PDF.

If you want to send your dark mode Word file over email, it’s easy to turn it into a PDF.

First, click on File at the very top of your browser screen. Next, choose Save as an option. A window appears. Next to File Format, click on the arrow and choose PDF.

Tips for Working With a Dark Background

If you want to use a dark mode template or use MS Word in dark mode, here are some tips to remember:

For this tips sections we’re using the Dark Resume Word template from Envato Elements. If you’ve got a different dark mode template, your results may vary.

1. Use Light Text Colors

The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see.
The first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second paragraph is dark blue and hard to see.

When you’ve got a dark background, anything you put on that background, such as text, images, or shapes, should be light. This is because you want the viewer to see what you’re putting on the background.

Using a dark color can blend in with the background and be hard to see. In the example above, the first experience paragraph is white and easy to see. The second is dark blue and hard to see because dark blue doesn’t contrast well with black.

2. Use Minimal Text

Unfortunately, dark backgrounds can make your document hard to read. When there’s a lot of white text on a dark background, it can cause eye strain. Most documents with a lot of text are hard to read.

To counteract this, break up the text with an image or shapes.

3. Use Dark Grey Instead of Black

This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.This template comes with a dark grey column. The text is a bit easier to read than the text with the black background.
This template comes with a dark grey column. The text on the gray background is a bit easier to read than the text with the Microsoft Word black background.

Some people find a pure Microsoft Word black background difficult to see, so consider a dark grey background instead.

4. Use Images

Images are a great tool to help your audience visualize a point. If you’re using an image on a dark background, you should use an image with light colors.

You want the image to be noticeable and not blend into the background. If the image colors are dark, like the background, they can be hard to see.

5. Use Sans Serif Fonts

As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.
As you can see the sans-serif font it easier to read.

Use sans-serif fonts when you’ve got a dark background. Sans-serif fonts don’t have flourishes, making them easier to see on a dark background.

Typical font sizes are 12-14. When you’re using a font with flourishes in that size, it can make the letters blend and become unreadable. Some sans-serif fonts include Arial and Helvetica.

The Top Source for Dark Theme Word Templates

Find Dark Mode Word Templates

Envato Elements is a great place to find the best dark-themed Word templates. It’s a monthly subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee and gain unlimited access to digital assets with unlimited use. These digital assets include:

  • Word templates
  • graphics
  • fonts
  • and more

Professionals make every template look stylish and impressive. This means that you’ll stand out. Using a premium template saves you time because the template is already designed. All you need to do is add text and images, and you’re done. If you like to customize your documents, you still can. A good template is easily customizable.

Download a Premium Dark Mode Template Today!

Now that you know all about dark mode and how to use dark mode in Microsoft Word. Try using a dark mode template for your next project. Remember, Envato Elements is the best value for premium templates. Download a template today!


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» What Is Dark Mode in Microsoft Word (and How to Turn It on)? | Sarah Joy | Sciencx | https://www.scien.cx/2023/04/14/what-is-dark-mode-in-microsoft-word-and-how-to-turn-it-on/ | 2024-03-29T11:47:59+00:00
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