How to Change the Highlight Color on Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Want to personalize your Mac experience by adding a touch of your own unique style? Changing the highlight color is a simple and effective way to do just that. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to change the highlight color on your Mac, including tips and tricks for customizing your appearance settings.

Choosing Your New Highlight Color

Before diving into the settings, take a moment to consider what color you want to use. The highlight color appears when you hover over text, select items, or focus on a specific element. It’s important to choose a color that complements your overall theme and visual preferences.

  • Consider your existing theme: If you use a dark theme, a lighter highlight color will provide good contrast. Conversely, if you use a light theme, a darker highlight color will make elements stand out.
  • Think about your preferred style: Do you prefer bold, vibrant colors, or subtle, muted tones? Choosing a color that aligns with your style will make your Mac feel truly personalized.

How to Change Your Highlight Color

Let’s get to the core of changing your highlight color. Follow these steps:

  1. Open System Settings: Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select “System Settings.”
  2. Navigate to Accessibility: Find and click on “Accessibility” in the left sidebar.
  3. Choose Display: Click on “Display” within the Accessibility section.
  4. Adjust Highlight Color: Under the “Appearance” section, you’ll see a slider for “Highlight Color.”
  5. Select Your Desired Color: Click on the colored square next to the slider. This will open a color picker, allowing you to select your desired highlight color.
  6. Apply Changes: Once you’ve chosen your new color, click anywhere outside the color picker to apply the changes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Highlight Color

Here are some additional tips to guide your color selection:

  • Test Different Colors: Play around with different color combinations until you find one that truly appeals to you. The color picker allows you to preview your changes in real-time, so you can experiment until you’re satisfied.
  • Consider Color Contrast: Ensure your chosen highlight color has sufficient contrast with the background color of your screen. This is essential for visibility and readability.
  • Don’t Overdo It: While personalization is great, it’s best to keep your color choices subtle. Using too many bright colors can be visually overwhelming.
  • Focus on Subtlety: A slight color change can make a big difference in how your Mac feels. Aim for a color that enhances your theme, not distracts from it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I change the highlight color for specific applications?

A: Unfortunately, there’s no way to customize highlight colors for individual applications. The highlight color you choose will be applied system-wide.

Q: What if I want to revert to the default highlight color?

A: You can easily revert to the default highlight color by clicking the “Reset” button in the “Appearance” section of the Display settings.

Q: Can I change other color settings on my Mac?

A: Yes, you can customize other color settings in the “Appearance” section of the Display settings. You can change the appearance of accents, buttons, and other interface elements.

Conclusion

Changing the highlight color on your Mac is a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch to your user experience. With a few clicks, you can transform your Mac’s appearance and make it feel more like your own. So, experiment with different colors, discover your unique style, and enjoy the joy of a personalized Mac.