Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
If you mean the comment balloons in Word’s margin, Microsoft’s reviewed support instructions do not provide a setting to change their color. The color controls often suggested for this task apply to Track Changes markup—such as insertions and deletions—not comments. If that is what you meant, you can adjust those colors using the steps below.
Can you change comment balloon color in Word?
The official Microsoft guidance reviewed for this article explains how to add, reply to, and delete comments, but does not document a way to recolor comment balloons. That guidance is labeled for Word 2019 for Mac, so it should not be treated as a complete statement about every Word edition or platform. Microsoft’s documented color controls are for tracked changes, not comment balloons.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To add a comment in the documented Word 2019 for Mac workflow, select text and choose Review > New Comment, then type your comment. Use the comment’s Reply button to respond; comment deletion is available from the Review tab. These comment actions do not change balloon color. Microsoft’s comment instructions do not include a recoloring procedure.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Change the color of tracked changes
If you meant the colored text, underlines, or deletion marks shown by Track Changes, Word lets you configure colors by markup category. Microsoft lists this procedure for Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016, including the listed Mac editions. Labels and locations can vary by platform or version, so check your installed Word edition if a control is not where described.
#1 Best Overall
- Open the Review tab.
- In the Markup group, select the Tracking dialog launcher.
- Select Advanced Options.
- For the markup category you want to change, open its Color menu and choose a color or By author.
Microsoft’s tracked-changes color instructions describe these settings. They let you choose a color for a type of markup; they are not a control for an individual reviewer’s comment balloon.
Choose “By author” or a fixed color
| Choice | What it does | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| By author | Word assigns colors automatically to distinguish tracked changes by author. | You do not choose a permanent color for each reviewer. Assignments may differ on another computer or change after the document is closed and reopened. |
| Fixed color | Displays the selected markup category in the color you choose on your computer. | The setting is by markup type, not by commenter or comment balloon. |
Why collaborators may see different colors
Microsoft says tracked-change color settings apply only on the local computer. Other people viewing the same document see colors configured on their own computers. In particular, author-based colors are automatically selected and may vary between computers or after reopening a document. These controls affect the local display of tracked-change markup; they do not establish a shared comment-balloon color.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
Rank #2
- Compact design saves desktop space and allows for close, comfortable mouse position.
- Optimized key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing.
- Sleek, low-profile design complements any workspace.
- Expressive input key[2] for quick access to emojis, symbols, and more.
- Connect up to 3 devices and switch seamlessly between them[1].
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
