Changing Microsoft Word 2019 to light mode is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. If you find yourself squinting at the screen or getting a headache from staring at a dark background, switching to light mode can make a world of difference. By the end of this quick overview, you’ll know exactly how to give your eyes a break and make your Word documents easier to read.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Change Microsoft Word 2019 to Light Mode
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. By changing Microsoft Word 2019 to light mode, you’re essentially switching the background and toolbar color from a dark or black theme to a lighter, more traditional white. This can reduce eye strain and improve readability.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Open Microsoft Word 2019 on your computer.
When you open Microsoft Word, you’ll typically be greeted by the start screen where you can choose to open a new document or a recent file. If you’re already in a document, no worries, these steps still apply.
Step 2: Go to the ‘File’ Menu
Click on the ‘File’ menu located in the top left corner of the screen.
The ‘File’ menu is where you’ll find all the behind-the-scenes settings for Word, including options to save, print, and customize your Word experience.
Step 3: Select ‘Options’
Scroll down and select ‘Options’ at the bottom of the menu.
‘Options’ is the gateway to all the customization settings in Word. Here, you can adjust preferences for saving, language, and, of course, the appearance of your Word interface.
Step 4: Choose ‘General’ Tab
In the Word Options dialog box, click on the ‘General’ tab.
The ‘General’ tab houses a range of settings that affect the overall functioning of Word, from user interface adjustments to startup options.
Step 5: Find the ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office’ Section
Scroll down to the ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office’ section.
This section is specifically dedicated to tweaking the visual aspects of your Microsoft Office applications, making it the perfect place to change your Word theme.
Step 6: Select ‘Office Theme’ Dropdown Menu
Click on the ‘Office Theme’ dropdown menu.
The ‘Office Theme’ dropdown menu is where you’ll find the different theme options available to you, including the coveted light mode.
Step 7: Choose ‘Colorful’ or ‘Light Gray’
Select either ‘Colorful’ or ‘Light Gray’ from the dropdown menu.
Both ‘Colorful’ and ‘Light Gray’ are lighter themes that will change your Word background and toolbar to a lighter color. ‘Colorful’ has a bit more flair, with a splash of color on the title bar, while ‘Light Gray’ is more muted.
Step 8: Click ‘OK’
Click ‘OK’ to save your changes and close the Word Options dialog box.
After clicking ‘OK’, your theme changes will take effect immediately, giving your Word interface a fresh, new look.
After completing these steps, Microsoft Word 2019 will switch from whatever theme you had previously to light mode. The change will make the background and toolbars of Word appear lighter, which can be easier on the eyes, especially when working for long periods of time.
Tips for Changing Microsoft Word 2019 to Light Mode
- If you’re unsure about switching to light mode, you can always try out the different themes before making a decision.
- Keep in mind that some templates and background designs may look different in light mode compared to dark mode.
- Changing to light mode won’t affect the content of your documents, only the interface.
- If you share a computer with someone who prefers dark mode, remember that changing the theme will affect all users on that computer.
- Consider the lighting in your workspace; light mode may be more beneficial in brightly lit areas to reduce glare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is light mode?
Light mode is a display setting that uses lighter colors for backgrounds and interfaces, making the screen easier on the eyes in well-lit conditions.
Light mode is particularly popular among users who spend a lot of time on their computers. It provides a stark contrast between text and background, which can improve readability and reduce eye strain.
Will changing to light mode affect my existing documents?
No, changing to light mode will not alter the content or formatting of your existing Word documents.
The theme change is purely cosmetic and only affects the appearance of the Word program itself, not the documents you create within it.
Can I switch back to dark mode later?
Absolutely, you can switch back to dark mode or any other theme at any time by following the same steps and selecting your preferred theme.
Themes in Word are designed to be easily customizable to fit your preferences and can be changed as often as you like.
Does light mode save battery life?
No, light mode does not necessarily save battery life. In fact, on some devices with OLED or AMOLED screens, dark mode may actually be more battery-efficient.
Battery consumption depends more on screen brightness and usage patterns rather than the theme color.
Is light mode available in all versions of Microsoft Word?
Light mode is available in Microsoft Word 2019 and other recent versions of the program. Older versions may not have the same theme options available.
If you’re using an older version, you might have fewer customization options for themes, but you should still have some level of control over the appearance of your Word interface.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word 2019.
- Click on the ‘File’ menu.
- Select ‘Options’.
- Click on the ‘General’ tab.
- Scroll down to ‘Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office’.
- Click on the ‘Office Theme’ dropdown menu.
- Select ‘Colorful’ or ‘Light Gray’.
- Click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Changing Microsoft Word 2019 to light mode is a breeze once you know where to look. Whether you’re trying to reduce eye strain, improve document readability, or just prefer a brighter workspace, light mode is a great option. Remember, your comfort is paramount when working on documents, and customizing your interface to suit your needs can make all the difference. If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this article, your Word should now be basking in the gentle glow of light mode. Keep experimenting with different themes until you find the one that’s just right for you. Happy typing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.