Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Using the Highlighter.

Using the Highlighter

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 30, 2017)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003


Word includes a tool that allows you to highlight your text, much the same way that you can use a highlighter pen or marker on printed material. You can highlight text in your document by clicking on the Highlight tool on the Formatting toolbar and then selecting the text you want highlighted. The text is shown as if it had been marked with a highlighter.

When you are done marking text with the highlighter, you turn it off by again clicking your mouse on the Highlight tool or by pressing the Esc key. You can also apply highlighter marks to your text by first selecting the text and then clicking your mouse on the Highlight tool.

Highlighting doesn't just appear on-screen, either. The highlights appear on your printouts, as well. If you are using a monochrome printer, then the highlights appear as various shades of gray. If you are using a color printer, then the highlights appear in their proper color.

At some point you will probably want to remove the highlighting from your text. To do this, simply select the text you previously highlighted and then click your mouse on the Highlight tool. The marks are removed, and your text again appears normal.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1225) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Using the Highlighter.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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