Where to Find Text Color Options on iPhone

You can change text color on your iPhone in a few places, depending on what you're doing. The most common place is in the Notes app, where you can highlight text in different colors or change the text itself. You can also change text color in Mail when composing a message, in Pages if you're writing a document, and in some third-party apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

The steps differ slightly depending on which app you're using, but the basic idea is the same: select the text first, then look for a color or formatting option in the menu that appears. On newer iPhones running iOS 17 or later, you'll find these tools in the formatting menu. On older versions, the location may vary slightly.

Key Takeaways

  • In Notes, select text and tap the paintbrush icon or the three dots menu to access color options.
  • In Mail, compose a message, select text, and tap the arrow icon to reveal formatting options including text color.
  • Pages and other Apple productivity apps have a dedicated formatting panel on the right side of the screen where you can change text color.
  • Third-party apps like Google Docs and Microsoft Word have their own color tools, usually found in a toolbar or formatting menu.
  • You must select text before the color option becomes available—tapping color tools on blank space won't work.

Changing Text Color in the Notes App

The Notes app is the easiest place to change text color on your iPhone. Open Notes and create a new note or open an existing one. Type or select the text you want to color, then tap and hold the selected text until a menu appears with options like Cut, Copy, and Paste.

Tap the arrow on the right side of this menu to reveal more options. You should see a paintbrush icon or a formatting option. Tap it, and a color palette will appear with options like yellow, orange, red, green, blue, and purple. Tap the color you want, and the text will be highlighted in that color. If you want to change the actual text color rather than highlight it, look for a text color icon (usually an "A" with a colored line underneath) in the same menu.

Changing Text Color in Mail

To change text color when writing an email on your iPhone, open Mail and tap Compose to start a new message. Type your message, then select the text you want to color by tapping and holding it until the selection handles appear. Pinch your fingers together or apart to adjust the selection if needed.

Once the text is selected, tap the arrow icon on the right side of the formatting menu. Look for the text color option—it's usually represented by an "A" with a colored underline. Tap it to open the color picker, choose your color, and the selected text will change. Keep in mind that not all email clients display colored text the same way, so the recipient may see it differently depending on their email app.

Changing Text Color in Pages and Other Apple Apps

If you're using Pages, Numbers, or Keynote on your iPhone, the process is similar but the interface is slightly different. Open your document and select the text you want to change. A formatting menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the formatting icon (usually three horizontal lines or a paintbrush) to open the formatting panel. On the right side of your screen, you'll see options for font, size, and color. Tap the color option—it's usually a circle or square showing the current text color. A color picker will appear. Tap the color you want, and your text will change when ready. You can also adjust the shade by sliding your finger across the color spectrum if you want a custom color.

Using Third-Party Apps Like Google Docs and Word

Google Docs and Microsoft Word both let you change text color, but the steps are slightly different from Apple's apps. In Google Docs, select your text, then tap the three-dot menu icon. Scroll down and tap "Text color." A color palette will appear—tap the color you want.

In Microsoft Word, select your text and look for the Home tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap the text color icon (an "A" with a colored line) and choose your color from the palette. Both apps work smoothly on iPhone, though the menus are designed for smaller screens, so you may need to scroll or tap arrows to find all the color options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is trying to change text color before selecting any text. Color options won't appear or won't work if you haven't highlighted the text first. Always tap and hold to select text, or use the selection handles to drag across the words you want to color.

Another mistake is confusing text highlighting with text color. Highlighting puts a colored background behind the text, while text color changes the actual letters. Both are useful, but they're different. If you want colored letters, look for the text color icon (usually an "A" with a line underneath), not the highlighter icon. Also, remember that some apps don't support colored text in all situations—for example, some email services may strip out text color when the message is sent, so test it with a friend first if it's important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change text color in iMessage or text messages?

iMessage and standard text messages don't support colored text on iPhone. You can use emoji or special characters to add visual interest, but the actual text color cannot be changed within the Messages app. If you need colored text in a conversation, you could take a screenshot of colored text from Notes or another app and send that instead.

Will colored text show up the same way on other devices?

It depends on the app and the recipient's device. Colored text in Notes, Pages, and other Apple apps will display correctly when shared with other iPhone or Mac users. However, if you send colored text via email or through a web-based service, the recipient's email client or app may not preserve the color, especially if they're using Android or an older device.

How do I change text color back to black?

Select the colored text again and tap the color option. Choose black from the color palette, or look for a "default" or "automatic" color option that will reset the text to your app's standard color. In most Apple apps, black is the first or most prominent option in the color picker.

Can I create custom colors or use colors not in the palette?

In Pages and some other Apple apps, you can swipe across the color spectrum to create custom colors. Tap and hold on the color picker and drag your finger to adjust the hue and brightness. Google Docs and Word also offer custom color options—look for a "more colors" or "custom" button in the color menu.

Why can't I find the text color option in my app?

Not all iPhone apps support text color changes. Basic apps like Reminders or Calendar may not have this feature. If you're using a third-party app, check the app's help section or settings to see if text formatting is supported. You can also try updating the app to the latest version, as newer versions often add more formatting options.