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How to Change Text Color in WordPress: 4 Easy Methods

Hi there, website owners! I’m Naveed Ahmed, a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience in helping people build beautiful and functional websites. One of the most common questions I get from beginners is, “How do I change the text color on my WordPress website?” It seems simple, but the process can vary depending on your theme, the specific elements you want to change, and your comfort level with code.

That’s why I’m here to break down the process in a way that’s easy to understand for everyone. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned web developer, you’ll find a method that works for you. So, grab a cup of coffee, let’s dive in!

Why Change the Text Color in WordPress?

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Changing text color isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about:

Highlighting Important Information: Need your visitors to notice a call to action, a special offer, or key details? Changing the text color can make it stand out instantly.
Branding: Consistent color use across your website strengthens your brand identity. Use your brand colors to create a cohesive and recognizable design.
Improving Readability: Sometimes, the default text color might clash with your background, making it hard to read. Adjusting the text color can significantly improve readability and user experience.
Adding Visual Appeal: A touch of color can breathe life into your website. Use colors strategically to add visual interest and guide the eye.
Emotional Connection: Colors evoke different emotions. Use this to your advantage. For example, blue is often associated with trust and reliability, while red can create a sense of urgency.

Method 1: How to Change Text Color in the Block Editor

Let’s start with the simplest method, perfect for making quick changes to individual words, paragraphs, or headings within your posts and pages. This works for both block themes and classic themes.

Open Your Post or Page: Navigate to the post or page where you want to change the text color in your WordPress dashboard. You can also create a new post or page.
Type in Your Text: Add the text you want to customize. If you’re working with headings, ensure you use the appropriate heading block (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2).
Select the Block: Click on the block containing the text you want to change.
Access Block Settings: Look for the ‘Block’ tab in the right-hand menu that appears when you select a block.
Choose ‘Color’ Section: Within the ‘Block’ settings, find the ‘Color’ section. Click on ‘Text.’ You’ll see a visual palette of color suggestions.
Select a Color: Click on any color from the palette to apply it to your entire block.
Customize Further: If you want a more specific color, click on the color box at the top of the popup to open a color picker. You can choose a new color manually, use a slider to fine-tune it, or use a hex code (more on this below).
Use a Hex Code: Want precise control? Find the hex code for your desired color (you can use a website like HTML color codes) and paste it into the ‘Hex’ box.
Reset to Default: If you want to revert to the default text color, click on the dotted button in the right-hand menu and select ‘Text’ or ‘Reset all,’ depending on what settings you’ve changed.

Changing the Text Color of a Word or Phrase

Highlight Your Text: Select the specific word, phrase, or sentence you want to change the color of directly in the block editor.
Access the Toolbar: Look for the small downward arrow in the content editor toolbar.
Select ‘Highlight’: Click on ‘Highlight’ from the dropdown menu.
Choose a Color: You’ll see a popup with color suggestions. Choose one or use the color picker or hex code method as explained above.

Pro Tip: For changing link colors, check out our guide on how to change link colors in WordPress.

Method 2: How to Change Text Color in the Theme Customizer (Classic Themes Only)

Want to apply a consistent text color across your entire website? Using the Theme Customizer is the most efficient way to do this, especially for classic themes.

Note: If your theme doesn’t have a Theme Customizer, you’re likely using a block theme. Skip ahead to Method 3.

Access the Customizer: Go to Appearance » Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
Locate Typography Settings: Every theme has a slightly different layout, but you’ll usually find typography settings under a section labeled ‘Typography.’
Choose ‘Body’ or Similar Section: Look for the ‘Body’ section or a similar option to adjust the text color of your posts and pages.
Select ‘Font Color’: Find the ‘Font Color’ setting. Click on ‘Select Color.’
Choose a Color: You’ll see a color picker. Select a color from the palette, use the color picker, or enter a hex code.
Reset to Default: Want to go back to the theme’s original color? Click on ‘Default.’
Publish Changes: Once you’re satisfied with the color, click the ‘Publish’ button at the top of the screen to apply your changes.

Pro Tip: Use the Theme Customizer to also change the font size, style, letter spacing, and more!

Method 3: How to Change Text Color in the Full Site Editor (Block Themes Only)

If you’re using a block-based theme like ThemeIsle Hestia Pro or Twenty Twenty-Three, you’ll use the Full Site Editor for theme-wide text customization.

Access the Full Site Editor: Go to Themes » Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
Select ‘Styles’: You’ll see a list of menus for customizing your site’s appearance. Click on ‘Styles.’
Choose a Style: The ‘Styles’ section lets you customize global colors, typography, and layout. You’ll see different style combinations. Choose one if you want a complete style overhaul.
Edit Styles: Click on the pencil icon labeled ‘Edit styles’ to customize the text color individually.
Select ‘Colors’: You’ll be taken to the Full Site Editor with the ‘Styles’ tab open. Click on ‘Colors.’
Choose an Element: The sidebar displays elements whose color settings you can change (e.g., text, links, headings).
Change the Color: Click on the element you want to customize. Select a predefined color or use the color picker to choose a custom color.
Save Changes: Click ‘Save’ to apply your color changes across all pages and posts.

Pro Tip: For more information about the Full Site Editor, see our beginner’s guide to WordPress Full Site Editing.

Method 4: How to Change Text Color with CSS Code (More Customizable)

If your theme doesn’t allow you to customize text color globally using the Customizer or Full Site Editor, or if you want more granular control, custom CSS is your best friend.

Install WPCode Plugin: For easy CSS management, I recommend the WPCode plugin. It’s a free plugin used by over 1 million WordPress websites. It lets you add custom CSS, PHP, HTML, and more without directly editing your theme’s files.
Activate WPCode: Install and activate the WPCode plugin. See our guide on installing a WordPress plugin for instructions.
Create a New Snippet: Go to Code Snippets » Add Snippet in your dashboard.
Select ‘CSS Snippet’: Type in a title for your snippet, then select ‘CSS Snippet’ from the ‘Code Type’ dropdown.
Write Your CSS: In the code editor, you’ll write your CSS code.
CSS Structure: CSS uses selectors to target specific elements and then applies styles (like color) to them. Here’s how it works:
“`css
/* Selector { style: value; } */
“`

For example, to change the color of all paragraph text to red:

“`css
p { color: #FF0000; }
“`

* `p` is the selector targeting all paragraph elements.
* `color` is the style being applied.
* `#FF0000` is the hex code for red.

You can use other selectors, like `h1`, `h2`, `h3`, etc., to target headings.

You can find hex codes for specific colors on websites like HTML color codes.
Choose Insertion Location: In the ‘Insertion’ section, decide where you want to add your CSS. For site-wide changes, select ‘Auto Insert’ and then ‘Site Wide Header’ from the ‘Location’ dropdown.
Activate and Save: Toggle the ‘Inactive’ switch to ‘Active’ and then click on ‘Save Snippet’ to make your CSS live.
Edit Your Snippet: If you want to change the color or add more CSS rules, go to Code Snippets » Code Snippets, hover over your snippet, and click ‘Edit.’

Pro Tip: WPCode also lets you change the default color of selected text and highlights on page and post content.

Method 5: How to Change Text Color in a Page Builder

Page builders like SeedProd are fantastic for creating landing pages that stand out from your main website design.

Install SeedProd: I highly recommend SeedProd. It has an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. Install and activate it from your WordPress dashboard (see our guide on installing plugins).
Use SeedProd Pro (Optional): SeedProd Pro offers more templates and advanced blocks, but the free version is great for basic landing pages.
Create a New Landing Page: Go to SeedProd » Pages and click ‘Add New Landing Page.’
Choose a Template: SeedProd has over 300 professionally designed templates. Hover over a template and click on the checkmark icon to select it.
Enter Page Details: Give your page a name and choose a URL (you can change it later). Click ‘Save and Start Editing the Page.’
Customize with Blocks: You’ll be taken to the SeedProd drag-and-drop editor. On the left side are various blocks (buttons, images, etc.) and sections (header, call to action, etc.) that you can drag and drop into your layout.
Change Text Color: Click on a block containing text to access its settings.
Select ‘Advanced’ and ‘Color’: Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and click on ‘Color.’
Choose a Color: You can use the color picker or enter a hex code to change the text color.
Publish Your Page: When you’re finished, click ‘Save’ and then ‘Publish’ to make your changes live.

Pro Tip: SeedProd integrates with popular marketing tools like email marketing services, WooCommerce, Google Analytics, and more, making it a powerful tool for conversions.

Conclusion

Changing text color in WordPress is a fundamental skill that can dramatically enhance your website’s design and functionality. Whether you want to make quick adjustments to individual elements or apply consistent colors across your entire site, the methods outlined in this guide will empower you to achieve the look and feel you desire. Remember, the key is to experiment, find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to have fun with color!

FAQs

How do I change the text color of a single word in WordPress?

You can use the “Highlight” option in the Block Editor to change the color of a single word or phrase.

How do I change the color of my website’s title?

This depends on your theme. Some themes allow you to change the site title color in the Customizer. If not, you may need to use custom CSS.

Can I use a different color for each heading level (h1, h2, h3)?

Yes! Use CSS to target each heading level individually with selectors like `h1`, `h2`, `h3`, and so on. For example:

“`css
h1 { color: #0000FF; } /* Blue for H1 headings */
h2 { color: #FF0000; } /* Red for H2 headings */
h3 { color: #00FF00; } /* Green for H3 headings */
“`

What if I want to use a specific color that isn’t in the color picker?

Use a hex code. Hex codes are six-digit codes that represent a specific color. You can find hex codes on websites like HTML color codes.

Is there a plugin specifically for changing text colors?

While there isn’t a dedicated plugin just for changing text colors, the WPCode plugin is an excellent choice for adding custom CSS to your WordPress site.

How do I change the color of text in a widget?

The process for changing text color in widgets depends on the specific widget you are using. Some widgets have their own color settings. If not, you may need to use custom CSS.

What if my text color doesn’t change after I make the adjustments?

Make sure you’ve saved your changes and cleared your browser’s cache. If the issue persists, try inspecting the element in your browser’s developer tools to see if any other CSS styles are overriding your changes.

Can I change the text color for different devices (mobile, tablet, desktop)?

Yes! Use media queries in your CSS to apply different styles based on screen size.

What are some good color combinations for my website?

There are many tools and websites that can help you choose color combinations. Try using a tool like Coolors or Adobe Color.

How can I learn more about CSS?

There are many great resources available to help you learn CSS! Start with the W3Schools CSS tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/css/

I hope this comprehensive guide has empowered you to take control of your website’s text colors. If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me. Happy website building!

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how to change the text color in wordpress easy methods