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How to Turn On Dark Mode in Word and Other Office Apps

Tap a step to see how to turn on dark mode in Office apps.

  1. Open "File > Account"

    In Word or Excel, click the "File" tab, then select "Account."

  2. Find the "Office Theme" setting

    On the Account screen, look for the "Office Theme" drop-down menu.

  3. Choose "Black" or "Dark Gray"

    Selecting a dark theme darkens the ribbon and the surrounding window frame.

  4. Your document background stays the same

    The Office Theme only changes the app frame β€” the white background of your actual document is unaffected.

  5. Why it helps

    It's useful for reducing glare when working in low light, or simply for a screen look that suits your taste.

Only the Menus Go Dark β€” Your Document Stays the Same

Dark mode in Office apps darkens the ribbon and window borders, while the white background of the document itself is preserved. This can help reduce eye strain when working in dim environments.

Want to Darken the Page Background Too?

If you want the document page itself to look darker rather than just the surrounding interface, check whether your version offers a dedicated document dark-mode or reading-view option, which inverts the page background for on-screen viewing without changing how it prints.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I change it in Word, does it apply to Excel and other apps too?

Yes. The Office Theme setting applies at the account level, so it carries over consistently across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps.

Is there any way to see the actual document page in dark colors?

Some newer versions offer a separate dark-mode or dark-reading option that inverts the page background for on-screen display, without affecting how the document looks when printed.