Text color in Google Slides is separate from a text box’s fill and the slide’s background. When only the words need another color, highlight the text first. This avoids changing the surrounding container and then trying to compensate for the wrong visual result.
Select the characters to recolor
Open the presentation on a computer and highlight the target text. Read the selected phrase to confirm that it includes the intended punctuation and no unrelated words. For a consistent whole-box treatment, select all relevant text inside that box rather than assuming a click on its border highlights every character.
Use the text color control
In the toolbar, choose Text color and select a preset or custom color. Google’s color guidance also supports entering Hex or RGB values for a custom choice. Do not use Fill color when your goal is to change the letters themselves.
If the color must match an approved palette, use the documented value. A similar-looking swatch is difficult for another editor to reproduce accurately.
Verify contrast and consistency
Review the text against the actual background, including any image or shape behind it. Check small captions and links as well as the main title. Use labels or symbols alongside meaningful color differences so that the message does not depend on color alone. Inspect a few neighboring slides for consistency, then present the changed slide. A successful color selection is only useful if the audience can still read the wording and understand why that text has been distinguished.
References
- Change the color of text, objects, and backgrounds
- Make your document, presentation, sheets & videos more accessible
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 3, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.