Microsoft PowerPoint: How to Use the Eyedropper Tool

The Eyedropper tool makes getting colors and creating color palettes much easier. You can simply select the Eyedropper tool, direct the little dropper to a color you like on your screen, and your shape will change to that color.

This knowledge article demonstrates how to use the Eyedropper tool in Microsoft PowerPoint.


Step 1

To change the font color, select the text, click the Font Color drop-down, and then click Eyedropper.

Title: Microsoft PowerPoint; Description: image of eyedropper tool

Step 2

As you move your pointer around the different colors, a live preview of the color appears. Hover or pause on a color to see its RGB (Red Green Blue) color coordinates.

Title: Microsoft PowerPoint; Description: image of eyedropper tool with selected color displayed

Step 3

Click on the color you want then the color of text will change.

Title: Microsoft PowerPoint; Description: image of changed font color highlighted

Step 4

To change a shape color, select the shape, click the Shape Fill drop-down on the Format ribbon then choose a color. Note: The color you previously used will be saved in the Recent Colors area of the color menu. 

Title: Microsoft PowerPoint; Description: image of Color menu with recent colors area highlighted

Step 5

To apply color to multiple shapes at once, hold down Ctrl, click each shape, click the Shape Fill drop-down on the Format ribbon then choose a color.

Title: Microsoft PowerPoint; Description: image of multiple shapes selected and color changed

Tip:  You can also match colors from elsewhere on your screen. After clicking Eyedropper, click and hold the mouse button as you drag your mouse to the color you want to match. The Eyedropper tool disappears when you move outside the PowerPoint window, but the color will still preview and be matched.