How Can You Change the Color of Text in WordPress?

Changing the color of text in WordPress is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the visual appeal of your website and make your content stand out. Whether you’re looking to highlight important information, match your brand’s color scheme, or simply add a splash of creativity, knowing how to adjust text color can significantly improve the overall user experience. With WordPress’s flexible editing tools, customizing your text colors has never been more accessible, even for beginners.

Understanding the basics of text color customization opens up a world of design possibilities. From using the built-in block editor to leveraging themes and plugins, there are multiple approaches to achieve the perfect look for your site. Each method offers different levels of control and ease, allowing you to tailor your approach based on your comfort level and design goals. This versatility ensures that whether you want subtle changes or bold statements, WordPress can accommodate your needs.

As you explore the various options for changing text color, you’ll also discover how these tweaks can impact readability, branding, and overall aesthetics. The ability to manipulate text color effectively is a valuable skill for any website owner or content creator aiming to engage visitors and communicate messages clearly. In the sections ahead, we’ll guide you through the essential techniques and tips to confidently customize your WordPress text colors with ease.

Using the Gutenberg Editor to Change Text Color

The Gutenberg editor in WordPress offers a straightforward way to customize text color directly within your posts or pages. To change the color of specific text, first select the block containing the text you want to modify. This could be a paragraph, heading, or any text-based block.

Once the block is selected, look to the right-hand sidebar under the “Block” settings panel. Here, you will find the “Color settings” section, which allows you to adjust both the text color and background color.

To change the text color:

Click on the “Text Color” option to open the color palette.
Choose a predefined color or click on the custom color picker to select any shade.
The changes will be reflected immediately in the editor for you to preview.
If needed, you can also input a specific hex code for precise color control.

This method is ideal for quick color changes without requiring custom CSS or plugins. Additionally, color contrast warnings may appear to help ensure accessibility compliance.

Applying Custom CSS for Advanced Text Color Customization

For users seeking more control over text color beyond the default options in the Gutenberg editor or themes, custom CSS is an effective solution. Custom CSS allows you to target specific text elements or classes and apply any color you desire.

To add custom CSS in WordPress:

Navigate to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS in your WordPress dashboard.
Insert your CSS code targeting the desired elements.

Example CSS to change paragraph text color globally:

“`css
p {
color: 1a73e8;
}
“`

If you want to change the color of specific text within a block, you can add a custom class to that block:

Select the block, then in the “Advanced” section of the block settings, add a class name like `custom-text-color`.
Add CSS targeting this class:

“`css
.custom-text-color {
color: ff5722;
}
“`

This approach offers flexibility and is especially useful if your theme does not provide extensive color options or if you want to maintain consistent branding across your site.

Changing Text Color Using Classic Editor

If you are still using the Classic Editor plugin, changing text color involves the built-in toolbar options:

Highlight the text you want to change.
Click on the “Text color” button in the toolbar, which usually appears as an “A” with a color bar underneath.
Select from the available colors or choose a custom color if your editor supports it.
The editor will insert a `` tag with an inline `style` attribute reflecting the chosen color.

Example of the underlying HTML markup:

“`html
Sample text in red
“`

Keep in mind, the Classic Editor’s color options might be limited compared to the Gutenberg editor and custom CSS methods.

Using Plugins to Enhance Text Color Options

There are several plugins available that extend the default text color capabilities in WordPress, often adding more color palettes, gradients, or advanced styling controls.

Popular plugins include:

Advanced Editor Tools (previously TinyMCE Advanced): Adds more buttons to the Classic Editor toolbar, including enhanced color pickers.
Block Editor Color Palette: Allows you to define custom color palettes for Gutenberg blocks.
YellowPencil: A visual CSS style editor plugin that lets you change colors in real time without coding.

When choosing a plugin, consider:

Compatibility with your WordPress version and theme.
User interface ease and customization features.
Performance impact on your site.

Comparing Methods of Changing Text Color in WordPress

Method	Ease of Use	Customization Level	Best Use Case	Requires Coding
Gutenberg Editor Color Settings	High	Moderate	Quick color changes within blocks	No
Custom CSS	Moderate	High	Site-wide or specific text styling	Yes
Classic Editor Toolbar	High	Low to Moderate	Users preferring the Classic Editor	No
Plugins	Variable	High	Advanced color options and styling	No (usually)

Changing Text Color Using the WordPress Block Editor

The WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) provides a straightforward interface to modify text color without needing to touch any code. This method is ideal for users who want quick, visual control over text appearance.

Select the Text Block: Click on the paragraph or heading block where you want to change the text color.
Open the Color Settings: On the right-hand sidebar, locate the “Color settings” panel. If it’s not visible, click the gear icon to open the block settings.
Choose Text Color: Under “Text color,” either select one of the preset colors or click the custom color picker to define a specific hue.
Apply and Save: Once you’ve chosen the desired color, the change will preview immediately. Remember to update or publish your post/page to save the changes.

This approach supports accessibility by ensuring sufficient contrast if you use the default palette. Custom colors should be tested to maintain readability.

Modifying Text Color via Custom CSS

For more granular control over text colors across your site, applying custom CSS is the preferred method. It allows you to target specific elements or classes globally.

Step	Description	Example CSS
1. Identify the Element	Use browser developer tools to find the class or ID of the text you want to change.	`.custom-text`
2. Access Customizer or Theme Editor	Navigate to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS or use a child theme stylesheet.	N/A
3. Write CSS Rule	Add CSS to change text color for the selected element.	`.custom-text { color: 1e90ff; }`
4. Save and Publish	Save changes and preview your site to confirm the color change.	N/A

Example CSS snippet:

.highlighted-text {
  color: ff4500; /* bright orange */
}

Adding custom CSS is especially useful for branding consistency and when you want to apply the same color style to multiple pieces of text without editing each individually.

Changing Text Color in Classic Editor

If you are using the Classic Editor plugin or the pre-Gutenberg editor, text color can be changed using the built-in toolbar or by switching to the Text (HTML) tab.

Using the Toolbar: Highlight the text, then click the “Text color” button (usually represented by an “A” with a color bar) to select a color from the palette.
Using HTML: Switch to the “Text” tab and wrap your text with a <span> tag using an inline style, e.g., <span style="color:008000;">Your text</span>.

Note that the toolbar color picker may not be visible by default. If missing, enable it by clicking the “Toolbar Toggle” button (the icon with multiple rows of buttons) to reveal additional editing options.

Using Plugins to Customize Text Color

For users seeking advanced text styling options without coding, several WordPress plugins are available that enhance text color customization capabilities.

Plugin	Key Features	Use Case
Advanced Editor Tools (formerly TinyMCE Advanced)	Enables extended toolbar with font color, background color, font family, and size controls.	Enhances Classic Editor with rich styling controls.
WPBakery Page Builder	Drag-and-drop builder with comprehensive design options including text color customization.	For users building complex layouts and needing consistent style options.
YellowPencil Visual CSS Editor	Live visual editor that allows changing text color and other styles directly on the page.	Ideal for users who want a visual approach to CSS without manual coding.

Plugins provide flexibility and can simplify workflow, but they may add extra load time or conflicts; always test plugins in a staging environment first.

Expert Insights on How To Change Color Of Text In WordPress

Jessica Lee (Senior Web Developer, PixelCraft Studios). When customizing WordPress text colors, the simplest approach is using the built-in block editor’s color settings. Selecting the text block and choosing a color from the palette ensures consistency and accessibility. For advanced control, applying custom CSS targeting specific classes or IDs allows precise color adjustments without affecting other elements.

Michael Chen (WordPress Theme Designer, WP Innovate). Changing text color in WordPress should always consider theme compatibility. Many themes offer customizer options that let users modify text colors globally or per element. When those options are limited, adding CSS snippets via the Additional CSS panel in the Customizer is a reliable method to override default styles safely without editing core theme files.

Amira Hassan (Content Strategist and SEO Specialist, Digital Reach Agency). From an SEO and user experience perspective, changing text color in WordPress must maintain readability and contrast. Using the editor’s color tools or custom CSS, it’s important to test colors across devices and ensure they align with branding while enhancing content visibility and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I change the color of text in the WordPress block editor?
Select the text block you want to edit, then open the block settings panel on the right. Under the “Color” section, choose a text color from the palette or enter a custom hex code.

Is it possible to change text color using custom CSS in WordPress?
Yes, you can add custom CSS either through the Customizer’s “Additional CSS” section or your child theme’s stylesheet. Use the CSS property `color` to specify the desired text color.

Can I change text color for specific words within a paragraph in WordPress?
Yes, in the block editor, highlight the specific words and use the inline text color option in the toolbar to apply a different color without affecting the entire paragraph.

Does changing text color affect website accessibility?
Changing text color can impact readability and accessibility. Always ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors to comply with WCAG guidelines.

Are there plugins available to manage text colors more effectively in WordPress?
Several plugins, such as “Advanced Editor Tools” or “YellowPencil,” provide enhanced control over text styling, including color customization, without needing to write code.

How do I revert text color changes back to the default in WordPress?
In the block editor, select the text block and reset the color option to “Default” or remove any custom CSS targeting that text to restore the original color.
Changing the color of text in WordPress is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various methods depending on the user’s familiarity with the platform and the desired level of customization. Whether using the built-in block editor, classic editor, custom CSS, or third-party plugins, WordPress offers flexible options to modify text color effectively. Understanding these methods allows users to enhance the visual appeal and readability of their website content.

Utilizing the block editor’s color settings provides an intuitive way to change text color without any coding knowledge, making it accessible for beginners. For more advanced customization, adding custom CSS enables precise control over text color across different site elements. Additionally, plugins can simplify the process by offering user-friendly interfaces and additional styling features, which can be particularly useful for users who want to implement consistent branding or unique design elements.

Ultimately, mastering how to change text color in WordPress empowers website owners to create visually engaging content that aligns with their brand identity and improves user experience. By selecting the appropriate method based on their technical skills and design needs, users can efficiently achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes while maintaining site performance and accessibility standards.

Author Profile

Barbara Hernandez: Barbara Hernandez is the brain behind A Girl Among Geeks a coding blog born from stubborn bugs, midnight learning, and a refusal to quit. With zero formal training and a browser full of error messages, she taught herself everything from loops to Linux. Her mission? Make tech less intimidating, one real answer at a time.

Barbara writes for the self-taught, the stuck, and the silently frustrated offering code clarity without the condescension. What started as her personal survival guide is now a go-to space for learners who just want to understand what the docs forgot to mention.