Microsoft is introducing a subtle color update in Office applications

Introduction to Microsoft Office Applications

Microsoft Office applications are widely utilized across personal, business, and educational sectors. Accessible through various platforms such as Microsoft 365, desktop software packages, and standalone versions, these tools provide robust functionality. Regular updates, both significant and minor, ensure that users benefit from enhanced features and improved usability.

Notable Update: Standard Red Color Adjustment

Recently, Microsoft announced an important change to the standard red color used in the font color picker across Microsoft 365 applications, including popular programs like Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. This modification applies to both Windows and Mac platforms.

Improved Accessibility Compliance

The previous standard red color was defined with an RGB value of 255, 0, 0. However, this did not comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), specifically regarding adequate contrast for text displayed in red on white backgrounds. In response, Microsoft has updated the RGB value to 238, 0, 0, enhancing visibility and accessibility for users with low vision or color vision deficiencies.

Red color difference in RGB values of Microsoft 365 apps of 255, 0, 0 vs 238, 0, 0 — Image via Microsoft

User-Friendly Implementation

Microsoft emphasizes that despite the seemingly minor nature of this update, it offers significant improvements in color contrast, thereby assisting users with visual impairments. Users do not need to undertake any special actions to activate this update. Selecting the standard red from the font color picker now reveals the new RGB value of 238, 0, 0 under the More Colors > Custom option.

Common Usage Scenarios

The standard red color is frequently employed in Office applications to denote errors or highlight essential information. Microsoft 365 users can access this new color configuration in the following versions:

Windows: Version 2411 (Build 18324.20012) or later
Mac: Version 16.92 (Build 24120731) or later

Web Applications Status

During our evaluation, it was noted that the web versions of these Office applications continue to use the older RGB value of 255, 0, 0 for the standard red color. There is currently no information on when Microsoft intends to implement this update for web applications.

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