How can I apply styles without changing the text colors?

[wardw]

In a Word 365 document, I've imported my styles. The text color of all of my styles are set to Automatic. Some portions of the text elements in the document are in a red font. I want to ensure they stay red. When I apply my styles, most of the red text turns to black. Is there a way to ensure that applying my styles does not change the red text to black?

[Charles Kenyon]

If it is a paragraph style and less than half the paragraph has your red color, click in the paragraph, without selecting any text, and apply the style.

• Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word especially Character Style v Paragraph Style v Linked Style.
• Tips for Understanding Styles in Word by Shauna Kelly
• Managing Word Styles by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP

[macropod]

You really should apply a suitable character Style with the red formatting and apply that to the applicable ranges. Changing/updating paragraph Styles should then not affect the red content.

[wardw]

Thanks, Charles and Paul. I'll try Charles's method. I'll also see whether I can automate the application of the Red character style, so I don't have to manually apply it.

[Italophile]

Originally Posted by wardw

Thanks, Charles and Paul. I'll try Charles's method. I'll also see whether I can automate the application of the Red character style, so I don't have to manually apply it.

You can use Find and Replace to do that.