Changing text color in your Google Slides presentations can help improve visual appeal, readability, and alignment with branding. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to modify text colors in Google Slides.
Why Change Text Color in Google Slides?
Before jumping into the how-to, let’s look at some of the key reasons you may want to change text color in Google Slides:
- Improve readability – Choosing colors with enough contrast between text and background helps text stand out and makes it easy for your audience to read.
- Enhance visual appeal – Unique text colors can make your slides more visually interesting and engaging.
- Align with branding – Using colors that match your brand guidelines creates a consistent look and reinforces brand recognition.
- Emphasize and highlight – Drawing attention to important text by changing its color helps convey key messages.
Step 1: Select the Text You Want to Change
Start by opening your presentation in Google Slides and navigating to the slide containing the text you want to modify. Then:
- To change all text on a slide, simply click anywhere on the slide to select all text boxes.
- To change specific text, highlight or double-click the text itself to select only what you want to edit.
Step 2: Access the Text Color Menu
With your text selected, click the “Text color” icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen (it looks like a letter “A” with an underline). This opens the color formatting options.
Step 3: Choose a New Color
In the text color popup, you’ll see preset theme colors, standard color swatches, and a custom color picker.
- Click a preset or standard color to quickly apply it.
- Use the color slider and brightness/saturation selectors to pick a custom color.
- Enter a specific hex code if you have one from a brand style guide.
Step 4: Preview and Adjust as Needed
Once selected, your new text color will apply automatically. Preview on the slide to make sure the color has enough contrast and works visually.
If the color doesn’t look quite right, simply repeat steps 2-3 to choose a different shade or hue.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Don’t forget to save your Google Slides presentation once you have the ideal text colors in place! Changes won’t stick otherwise.
From the File menu, choose “Save” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + S / ⌘ + S.
Pro Power User Tips
Now that you know the basics, try these advanced techniques:
- Use color to establish visual hierarchy – For example, make headings stand out from body text by using contrasting shades.
- Add color emphasis animations – Make text pop up letter by letter using the color animation effects in Google Slides.
- Color code elements – Use consistent colors for specific text boxes, charts, etc throughout your presentation.
- Follow brand guidelines – Reference your brand style guide for exact hex codes to use.
Fixing Common Google Slides Text Color Problems
If you run into issues changing text colors, here are some quick troubleshooting tips:
Text color won’t change: Make sure you’ve selected the correct text before attempting to change the color. If needed, double check your steps.
Lack of contrast: The new color likely doesn’t have enough contrast from the slide background. Try a darker or lighter shade.
Colors shift unexpectedly: This typically happens when you have a theme applied. Override the theme or change it completely under the “Theme” menu.
Can’t find text color option: Make sure you’re using the most recent version of Google Slides. The text color tool in the toolbar should be visible.
Now you have all the details to make your presentation text pop! Use contrasting colors appropriately and align with your brand for maximum impact.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
