Removing highlights in Word is a quick and easy task that can help clean up your document’s appearance. To get rid of unwanted highlights, simply select the text with the highlight, navigate to the “Home” tab on your ribbon, and click on the little arrow next to the highlight tool. Choose “No Color” to remove the highlight. That’s it! Your text should now be back to normal.
How to Remove Highlight in Word
Removing highlights from your Word document can make it look more professional and easier to read. Follow these simple steps to get it done.
Step 1: Open Your Document
Open the Word document where you want to remove highlights.
Ensure your document is open and visible on your screen. This way, you can identify and select the highlighted text you want to change.
Step 2: Select the Highlighted Text
Click and drag your mouse over the text that is highlighted.
By selecting the highlighted text, you tell Word exactly where the changes need to happen, ensuring you only remove the parts you don’t want.
Step 3: Go to the Home Tab
Navigate to the “Home” tab located at the top of your screen.
The “Home” tab contains all the text formatting tools you’ll need, including the highlight removal option.
Step 4: Click the Highlight Tool
Click on the small arrow next to the highlight tool in the “Font” section.
This arrow opens a dropdown menu where you can choose your highlighting options, including the removal of any existing highlights.
Step 5: Choose “No Color”
Select “No Color” from the dropdown menu.
Choosing “No Color” effectively removes any highlight, returning your text to its standard format without any background color.
After completing these steps, your highlighted text should now appear without any background color. It’s a simple process that instantly refines the look of your document.
Tips for Removing Highlight in Word
- Save your document before making changes, just in case you need to undo.
- Use “Ctrl + Z” to undo if you accidentally remove the wrong highlight.
- Highlighting can be useful for drafts, so consider saving a highlighted version separately.
- Use the “Find and Replace” feature for removing highlights from multiple sections at once.
- Customize your ribbon to keep the highlight tool handy for frequent use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the text won’t unhighlight?
Make sure you’ve selected the correct text and that you clicked “No Color” in the highlight tool dropdown.
Can I remove highlights from multiple paragraphs at once?
Yes, select all the highlighted text you want to clear, then follow the same steps.
Will removing the highlight affect my text format?
No, it only removes the background color; your text formatting remains unchanged.
What if I accidentally remove the wrong highlight?
Simply use “Ctrl + Z” to undo the last action and try again.
Can I only remove parts of a highlight?
Yes, just select the specific part of the text you want to change and apply “No Color.”
Summary
- Open your document.
- Select the highlighted text.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Click the highlight tool.
- Choose “No Color.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to remove highlight in Word is a simple yet crucial skill for anyone looking to polish their documents. Whether you’re preparing a report, a school assignment, or just cleaning up notes, removing unwanted highlights helps make your text easier to read and more professional.
By mastering this basic Word function, you enhance your ability to manage and present information effectively. If you frequently work with highlighted text, consider exploring other features Word offers, like advanced formatting options or even keyboard shortcuts for faster text editing.
So, next time you’re faced with a busy document filled with highlights, remember these easy-to-follow steps. You’ll save time, avoid headaches, and present a polished, clean document every time. Happy editing!

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.