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?

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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.

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  1. Brian Tillman [Outlook MVP 2007-2019] 25,915 Reputation points
    2013-10-02T19:27:51+00:00

    Actually, dogs can see color (see http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/200810/can-dogs-see-colors) and in three dimensions (since they have binocular vision just like you do), but I realize that's beside the point.  I agree that it was a mistake for Microsoft to rebrand everything to the Windows 8 look.  But this is a pattern at Microsoft.  Why else would they call what was Hotmail "Outook" when it bears no resemblance to the real Outlook that's part of Office?

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-03T07:34:34+00:00

    Brian, I personally won't go as far to compare Microsoft with dogs. But I can't help, I have full empathy with Wayne. At least I'm sparing my eyes with the dirty workaround I mentioned earlier, until such time that the Office dev folks make the colour options available.

    Yes, we should always remember the importance of having a feedback channel from the end users back to the release/QC managers. I suppose user experience will always have the last say, good or bad. I remember that with the Windows Phone development, there was a list of suggested improvements of which the public could "vote" on, so the dev team can take the top ideas vote on, and implement it. Wouldn't be great if all Microsoft products had the same ? I'm not referring to Microsoft Connect.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-10-10T09:26:49+00:00

    For me, the real problem is that the colour of the window is the same colour when it is active as when it is inactive. This means that, if you have multiple windows open, you can't tell which window is your active window and if what you are about to type will go where you want.... Other than looking at the colour of the title text. Which is not quick and easy.

    What's more, the tabbed view of the ribbon (which I think is a useful feature), blends in with the colour of the page.

    This all means your eye can't focus on the work being done.

    Also, after thinking everyone else was blowing things out of proportion with the "eye strain" stuff, I've now experienced it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-10-12T17:42:35+00:00

    My sentiments exactly! 

    This is awful!  Maybe MS has tired of Aero and gradients, but I still like them over basic colors and "blinding white."  I liked the Office 2010 themes just fine, certainly much more than this.

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