Change Background color Theme Office 2013

Anonymous
2013-01-12T15:28:57+00:00

Has anyone come up with how to Change the Color on the Office 2013 Them from "gray".  Microsoft has really not been user friendly with Windows 8 or Office 2013 in enabling the user to change their environment.

I think Microsoft does not read these forum questions.  Otherwise, some of the technical people would be contacting their customers to gain feedback.

I am extremely disappointed in the Office 13 and Win8 programs. 

Anyone got any ideas?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2013-01-13T13:21:44+00:00

​

Hi,

Thanks for posting in Microsoft Community. It is unfortunate that you are unable to locate the option in Office 2013 to change the theme of applications. Let me help you with the issue.

For the Office 2013 (RTM) version you may follow the below steps:

  1. Go to the File tab
  2. Click on Options
  3. Choose the General tab on the left
  4. Find the ‘O ffice Theme’ dropdown item
  5. Choose between White, Light Gray, and Dark Gray.

If you have Office 2013 preview version installed, then you have an option to change the background color by clicking on File, Options, General and under the group 'Personalize your copy of Microsoft Office', you may choose the background you wish to change to and click ok.

If you are using preview version of Office then you have a Smiley on the top right hand side of the application, you may click on it and send in your feedback.

I hope the above steps help. If you need any further assistance reply and we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you.

Was this answer helpful?

50+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

242 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Brian Tillman [Outlook MVP 2007-2019] 25,915 Reputation points
    2013-07-23T20:57:55+00:00

    Microsoft Community does not and never was been intended to provide a way for people to give their opinions to Microsoft or make suggestions about Microsoft products in a way that Microsoft will receive them.  In general, Microsoft employees do not read these forums.  Microsoft Community is a peer-to-peer venue where people who have experience using Microsoft products can help others who are having trouble.  If you want to interact with Microsoft, you should use the paid support channels.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-23T17:47:04+00:00

    I found that some of the Item options can be re-colored and it will affect the new office docs.  For instance changing the Desktop color will change the page color in Excel and Word at least.  It doesn't do much for Outlook though.  It takes some experimentation but you can make it a little more colorful.

    Sorry that should be the Window not Desktop.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-23T15:21:56+00:00

    Hi all,

    Office 2013 is indeed awful on the eyes and emotional stability.  Grey is sooooo depressing. Anyway, I haven't read through EVERY response to this issue so if I'm repeating someone else's reply, sorry!

    Somewhat of a work around to the pale color palette is to go to the control panel, personalization then select the Window Color option at the bottom.  Toward the bottom of the window in blue letters is the Advance appearance settings… option.  Open that and you get the old Windows Color and Appearance window. 

    I found that some of the Item options can be re-colored and it will affect the new office docs.  For instance changing the Desktop color will change the page color in Excel and Word at least.  It doesn't do much for Outlook though.  It takes some experimentation but you can make it a little more colorful.

    It’s not the perfect fix but it helps.  Until MS gets their head out of places better left unvisited…  Or a third party joins this fun-fest of monotone to liven it up.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2013-07-21T19:36:18+00:00

    I sincerely agree. Working with office 2013 hurts my eyes, and I will also stick to 2007 until this is changed.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments