Where to find font color settings on your iPhone
Font color on your iPhone depends on which app you're using. Apple's built-in apps like Notes, Mail, and Messages each have their own text formatting tools, and third-party apps like Word, Google Docs, or Pages work differently. The most common place to change text color is in the formatting menu that appears when you select text, though some apps hide it behind additional taps.
The exact steps vary by app, but the principle is the same: select the text you want to change, then look for a formatting option—usually marked with an "A" with a colored line underneath, or a paintbrush icon. If you don't see it when ready after selecting text, swipe left on the formatting toolbar or tap "More" to reveal additional options.
Key Takeaways
- Text color options appear in the formatting toolbar after you select text, but the location and icon vary by app.
- Apple Notes, Mail, and Messages all have color options, but you must select text first before the formatting menu appears.
- Third-party apps like Word, Google Docs, and Pages use similar selection-then-format workflows, though the icons and menu locations differ.
- Some apps require you to swipe or tap "More" in the formatting toolbar to reveal the color option if it is not visible at first.
Changing text color in Apple Notes
Open Notes and create or edit a note. Tap and hold the text you want to color, then drag to select the entire word or phrase. Release your finger, and a menu will appear with options including Bold, Italic, and Underline. Tap the arrow or "More" button (three dots) at the right end of this menu to reveal additional formatting options.
Look for the "A" with a colored underline—this is the text color button. Tap it to open a color palette. Choose your color from the options shown. The text will change when ready. If you do not see a color option in the first menu, swipe left on the formatting toolbar to find it.
Changing text color in Apple Mail
When composing a new email, select the text you want to color by tapping and holding, then dragging across it. The formatting menu appears above the keyboard. Look for the "A" icon with a colored line underneath. Tap it to open the color picker.
Not all Mail formatting options appear in the default toolbar. If you do not see the color button, tap the arrow on the right side of the formatting menu to expand it and reveal more options. Choose your color, and the selected text will change. Keep in mind that some email recipients may not see colored text if their email client does not support rich text formatting.
Changing text color in Pages, Word, and Google Docs
In Apple Pages, select your text, then tap the paintbrush icon in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Tap "Text Color" from the menu that appears, then choose your color from the palette.
Microsoft Word on iPhone works similarly: select text, tap the "Home" tab if needed, then look for the "A" with a colored underline. Tap it to choose a color. In Google Docs, select text, tap the three-dot menu, choose "Text color," and pick from the available palette. Each app's interface is slightly different, but the workflow—select, then find the color tool—remains the same.
Using highlight color instead of font color
Some apps distinguish between font color (the text itself) and highlight color (the background behind the text). In Notes and Pages, you may see both options in the formatting menu. The highlight tool often looks like a marker or highlighter pen icon. Tap it to add a colored background to your text instead of changing the text color itself.
Highlight color is useful when you want to draw attention to text without changing how it looks. It works well for study notes or marking important passages. The process is identical to changing font color: select the text, find the highlight tool, and choose your color.
Limitations and what does not support color changes
Not every app on your iPhone lets you change text color. Messages, for example, does not have a built-in text color feature for regular SMS or iMessage conversations—you can use effects and reactions, but not colored text. Some third-party apps also lack this feature, or they may only allow color changes in certain sections of the app.
If you are working in a document that will be shared or printed, remember that color choices may not display the same way on every device or printer. Test how your colored text looks on the device where it will be read. Some email clients strip out color formatting, so if you are sending colored text via email, confirm the recipient can see it before relying on color for important information.
Resetting text color back to default
If you want to remove color from text you have already colored, select the text again and open the color menu. Look for a "Default" or "Automatic" option, usually shown as a gray or neutral color at the top of the palette. Tap it to return the text to the default color for that app.
In some apps, you may need to select the text and choose "Remove Formatting" or a similar option to strip all formatting at once, including color. The exact method depends on the app you are using, but the color palette always includes a way to revert to the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do not I see a color option after selecting text?
Some apps do not support text color, or the color button may be hidden in an expanded menu. Try swiping left on the formatting toolbar or tapping "More" to reveal additional options. If the color tool still does not appear, the app may not have this feature.
Will colored text show up the same way on other devices?
Colored text usually displays consistently across Apple devices, but third-party apps and email clients may render colors differently. Test your colored text on the device where it will be read to confirm it looks as intended.
Can I change the color of text in iMessage?
Standard iMessage and SMS do not have a text color feature. You can use effects and reactions, but not colored text within the message itself. Some third-party messaging apps do support colored text.
How do I change the default text color for all new notes?
iPhone does not have a setting to change the default text color globally across Notes or Mail. You must change the color manually for each piece of text you create. Some third-party apps may offer default color settings in their preferences.
What is the difference between font color and highlight color?
Font color changes the text itself, while highlight color adds a colored background behind the text. Both are useful for different purposes—use font color to change how the text looks, and highlight color to draw attention without altering the text appearance.