Microsoft Unveils New Office Icons with a Fresh and Modern Look

Microsoft Unveils New Office Icons with a Fresh and Modern Look

Microsoft is officially rolling out its new Office icons, marking the first major redesign since 2018. The update introduces a more colorful and playful design, aligning with Microsoft’s recent Fluent illustrations and its growing integration of AI tools like Copilot.

A New Era for Microsoft Office Design

The refresh applies to all 10 core Office apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. According to Microsoft, the new design was inspired by the Copilot icon, representing a more connected, fluid, and accessible ecosystem within Microsoft 365.

Jon Friedman, corporate vice president of design and research for Microsoft 365, explained:

“The new icons emanate a sense of fluidity and play, while also being simpler, more intuitive, and highly accessible.”

What’s Different About the New Icons?

The redesigned icons adopt richer color gradients that are more vibrant than before. Gradients now feature exaggerated transitions, improving contrast and accessibility.

Some icons have also been simplified. For example, the Word icon has moved from four horizontal bars to three, making it easier to recognize at smaller sizes. Microsoft has also swapped sharp edges and solid lines for smooth folds and curves, creating a softer, more approachable look.

Rollout Timeline

The new Microsoft Office icons will roll out over the coming weeks across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Both consumers and business users of Microsoft 365 will see the refreshed icons soon.

With this update, Microsoft aims to deliver a modern, connected, and user-friendly design system that reflects the evolving role of Office apps in productivity and collaboration.

TechCity