Black Mode in Microsoft Word, also known as Dark Mode, is a popular feature in Microsoft Word that allows users to change the appearance of the application’s interface to a dark color scheme. Enabling Black Mode not only provides a visually appealing experience but can also reduce eye strain, especially in low-light environments. In this article, we will explore how to enable Black Mode in different versions of Microsoft Word.

Benefits of Using Dark or Black Mode in Microsoft Word

Enabling Dark or Black Mode in Microsoft Word offers several benefits, including:

1. Reduced Eye Strain: Dark Mode reduces the overall brightness of the interface, making it easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. This can help reduce eye fatigue and strain during long writing or editing sessions.
2. Improved Focus: The dark background in Black Mode helps to minimize distractions and create a more focused writing environment. By reducing the visual clutter, it allows users to concentrate better on their content and improves overall productivity.
3. Enhanced Readability: Dark Mode often provides a high contrast between the text and the background, making it easier to read and improving readability, particularly for individuals with visual impairments or sensitivity to bright screens.
4. Extended Battery Life (for OLED Screens): If you’re using Microsoft Word on a device with an OLED display, such as some smartphones or laptops, enabling Black Mode can save battery power. OLED screens only illuminate the pixels that display color, meaning that in Dark Mode, where the background is predominantly black, fewer pixels need to be lit up, resulting in reduced power consumption.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: Many users simply find Dark or Black Mode aesthetically pleasing. The sleek and modern look of a dark color scheme can add a touch of elegance to the overall user experience, making it a popular choice among individuals who prefer a visually appealing interface.
6. Consistency with Other Dark Mode Applications: Enabling Black Mode in Microsoft Word allows for a consistent experience across various applications that support Dark Mode. If you have other applications on your device set to Dark Mode, enabling Black Mode in Word ensures a cohesive and seamless visual experience.

Overall, Dark or Black Mode in Microsoft Word provides a more comfortable writing environment, reduces eye strain, improves focus, and offers aesthetic benefits. It’s worth exploring and experimenting with this feature to determine if it enhances your productivity and enjoyment while using Microsoft Word.

How to Enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word on Mac

To enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word on Mac, you need to enable Dark Mode for Mac OS. 

enable Dark Mode for Mac OS

1. Go to Settings then click on General
2. In the Appearance options, select Dark
3. If desired, you have the option to choose “Auto,” which will automatically switch between Light and Dark modes on MacOS according to your specified Night Shift schedule.

Turn off Black/Dark Mode in Mac OS

1. Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac.
2. Click on “Word” in the menu bar and select “Preferences.”
3. In the Preferences window, click on the “General” tab.
4. Under the “Personalize” section, you can change all options or turn off black/dark mode
5. Close the Preferences window, and you will see Microsoft Word’s interface in Black Mode.

Occasionally, when you copy text from another application while in Dark Mode, the pasted text might display as black text on a white background. To resolve this problem, you can press CMD+SHIFT+V, or paste with CMD+V and then choose Paste Text Only from the Paste Options shortcut menu.

How to Enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word 365

Microsoft Word 365 offers a seamless way to enable Black Mode. Here’s how:

1. Open Microsoft Word 365 on your computer.
2. Click on “File” in the upper-left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Account” from the sidebar.
4. Under the “Office Theme” section, choose “Black.”
5. The interface will instantly switch to Black Mode, enhancing your Word experience.

How to Enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2016

Enabling Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2016 can be done using these steps:

1. Launch Microsoft Word 2016.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Word Options window, click on the “General” tab.
5. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, locate the “Office Theme” dropdown.
6. Choose “Black” from the options.
7. Click “OK” to apply the changes, and Microsoft Word 2016 will switch to Black Mode.

How to Enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2010

To enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2010, follow these instructions:

1. Open Microsoft Word 2010 on your computer.
2. Click on the “File” tab located in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
4. In the Word Options window, click on the “General” tab.
5. Under the “Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office” section, find the “Office Theme” dropdown.
6. Choose “Black” from the available options.
7. Click “OK” to save the changes, and Microsoft Word 2010 will switch to Black Mode.

How to Enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2007

Enabling Black Mode in Microsoft Word 2007 can be achieved using the following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Word 2007 on your computer.
2. Click on the “Office” button in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Word Options” at the bottom of the menu.
4. In the Word Options window, click on the “Popular” tab.
5. Under the “Top options for working with Word” section, locate the “Color scheme” dropdown.
6. Choose “Black” from the available options.
7. Click “OK” to apply the changes, and Microsoft Word 2007 will switch to Black Mode.

8. How to Change Word from Dark Mode to Light Mode: If you want to change Word from Dark Mode to Light Mode, you can follow these general steps:

1. Open Microsoft Word on your computer.
2. Go to the application’s settings or preferences menu.
3. Look for the “Appearance” or “Theme” section.
4. Find the option to switch from Dark Mode to Light Mode or choose a different color scheme.
5. Select the desired Light Mode or a light-themed option.
6. Save the changes, and Microsoft Word will switch to the chosen Light Mode.

Conclusion

Enabling Black Mode in Microsoft Word can transform your writing experience by providing a visually appealing interface, reducing eye strain, and improving focus. Whether you’re using Microsoft Word on a Mac or different versions in windows like Word 365, 2016, 2010, or 2007, the process of enabling Black Mode is straightforward and customizable to your preferences.

By embracing Dark or Black Mode, you can enhance readability, especially in low-light environments, and minimize distractions, allowing you to concentrate better on your content. The option to switch between Dark Mode and Light Mode gives you the flexibility to choose the mode that suits your needs and personal preferences.

FAQs

Can I enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word on Windows?

Yes, you can enable Black Mode in Microsoft Word on Windows by following similar steps mentioned for the respective version you are using.

Will enabling Black Mode affect the formatting of my documents?

No, enabling Black Mode only changes the appearance of Microsoft Word’s interface and does not affect the formatting or content of your documents.

Can I customize the color scheme in Black Mode?

No, Microsoft Word provides predefined color schemes for Black Mode, and customization options may vary depending on the version you are using.

Is Black Mode available in older versions of Microsoft Word?

Black Mode is available in newer versions of Microsoft Word, such as Microsoft Word 2010, 2016, 365, and on Mac. However, older versions like Microsoft Word 2007 may have limited or no Dark Mode support.

Can I switch between Dark Mode and Light Mode in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can switch between Dark Mode and Light Mode in Microsoft Word by following the steps mentioned in this article or adjusting the theme settings in the application’s preferences.

Last modified: May 27, 2023