The yellow-orange hyperlinks in Apple Notes can be distracting and hard to read. Many Mac users find these default link colors frustrating, especially when trying to maintain a clean and organized note-taking system. Users can change the link color in Apple Notes by adjusting the Accent color setting in System Preferences > General on macOS.
The color change affects all system elements including buttons, menus, and window interfaces across the operating system. This setting has existed since before Notes was introduced as an app, making it a long-standing customization option for Mac users.
How To Change Apple Notes Link Color
Apple Notes traditionally displayed hyperlinks in a fixed yellow or yellow-orange color, which some users found hard to read or aesthetically limiting. However, with recent updates, Apple has introduced ways to customize link colors, especially on the latest OS versions.
1. Requirements
- iOS 18 / iPadOS 18 / macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later
Apple introduced the ability to change link colors in Notes starting with these versions. - Make sure your device is updated to the latest OS.
2. Changing Link Color on Mac (macOS 15 and earlier versions)
Default behavior:
- Hyperlinks in Apple Notes on macOS 14 and earlier appear in yellow or yellow-orange by default.
- Manually changing the color of a link via Format > Font > Show Colors does not affect the hyperlink color.
Workaround:
- Use the new macOS 15+ feature to change link colors (see next section).
- On earlier versions, the link color is fixed and cannot be changed.
3. Changing Link Color on iOS 18 / iPadOS 18 / macOS 15+
Steps:
- Open Apple Notes and select or create a note with hyperlinks.
- Highlight the hyperlink text you want to change.
- Tap or click the formatting button (the “Aa” icon) in the toolbar.
- Look for the new “Link Color” or “Text Color” option in the formatting menu.
- Choose your preferred color from the preset options (Apple currently offers a selection of colors, including graphite and others, but no full color wheel yet).
- The selected link will update to the new color and sync across your devices running the latest OS.
4. Additional Tips
- If you don’t see the option, ensure your device is updated to the latest OS version.
- Changing text color for non-link text remains fully customizable.
- Link color changes sync via iCloud Notes across your Apple devices.
- You cannot pick a custom hex color yet; only preset colors are available.
5. Summary
| Platform | Can You Change Link Color? | How? |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 14 and earlier | No (links fixed yellow-orange) | No native way to change link color |
| macOS 15+ | Yes | Highlight link > Format > Link Color |
| iOS 18 / iPadOS 18+ | Yes | Highlight link > Format > Link Color |
References
- Gadget Hacks: Sick of Yellow Links in Notes?
- Apple Community Discussion on Link Color
- Mactrovert: How to change the link color on Apple Notes
Key Takeaways
- Change link colors through System Preferences by adjusting the Accent color setting
- Link color changes apply system-wide and affect all interface elements
- Color customization improves readability and note organization
Customizing Link Color in Notes on Mac and iOS
The color of hyperlinks in Apple Notes can be modified through system-wide accent color settings on Mac and iOS devices. This customization allows users to replace the default yellow links with more visually appealing options.
Accessing System Preferences on macOS
Users can access System Preferences on Mac through multiple methods. The Apple menu in the top-left corner provides direct access. Spotlight search opens with Command + Space, where typing “System Preferences” loads the settings panel.
The System Preferences icon sits in the Dock by default. A single click opens the control panel for system-wide customization.
Adjusting Accent Color Settings
On macOS, the accent color setting affects multiple interface elements, including link colors in Notes. Navigate to System Preferences > General to find the Accent Color options.
The color picker displays eight preset choices: Blue, Purple, Pink, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Graphite.
Selected colors apply instantly across the system, changing buttons, selection highlights, and link colors in Notes.
Modifying Hyperlinks in Apple Notes
Link colors in Notes change automatically with the system accent color. The modification affects all existing and new links in the Notes app.
Text links maintain their functionality regardless of color changes. Links remain clickable and open in the default web browser.
The color change applies across all Notes in the library, maintaining visual consistency.
Adapting to iOS Note-taking
iOS devices follow a similar but simplified process. Open Settings > Display & Brightness > Appearance to adjust system colors.
The color options on iOS may be more limited than macOS. Changes sync across iCloud-connected devices when using the same Apple ID.
Taking Screenshots for Documentation
The Command + Shift + 4 shortcut captures selected screen areas on Mac. This helps document color changes for reference.
iOS users can capture screens by pressing the side button and volume up button simultaneously. These screenshots assist in tracking customization changes.
Ensuring Text Color Consistency
Links maintain their custom color across dark and light modes. The Notes app automatically adjusts contrast for readability.
Regular text remains black (light mode) or white (dark mode), while links keep their accent color. This creates clear visual distinction between links and standard text.
Exploring Customization Options
The Notes app supports additional text formatting like bold, italic, and underline. These work independently from link colors.
Users can create custom color schemes by combining different accent colors with dark or light modes.
The color changes affect the entire Notes ecosystem, including shared notes and those synced across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customizing hyperlinks and formatting options in Apple Notes provides essential functionality for organizing and personalizing note content. Users can create internal links between notes, add external hyperlinks, and manage visual elements.
How can I adjust the hyperlink color in the Notes app on my iPhone?
The Notes app does not allow direct customization of hyperlink colors. The default yellow-orange color remains constant across iOS devices.
System-wide link color settings can affect Notes, but they do not specifically target the Notes app.
What steps are needed to link to another note within Apple Notes?
Type @ and select the note title from the list that appears.
Press and hold on text, select “Add Link,” then choose a note from your collection.
Is it possible to link an Apple Note to a Reminder, and how?
Type @ followed by “Reminder” to create a new reminder linked to the note.
Select text in a note, tap the share button, and choose “Add to Reminders” to create a linked reminder.
How do you customize the appearance and colors of notes in the Notes application?
Select text and tap the Aa button to access formatting options like bold, italic, and text color.
Use the Format menu to adjust font styles, sizes, and colors for non-hyperlink text.
Create color categories to organize notes visually in the sidebar.
What is the method for adding hyperlinks to documents in Apple Notes on an iPad?
Select text and tap “Add Link” in the formatting menu.
Type or paste a URL into the link field and tap “Done” to create the hyperlink.
Can the color of hyperlinks be edited in Notes after they are inserted?
Links maintain their default yellow-orange color regardless of formatting attempts.
The color remains consistent across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices to maintain system-wide link recognition.
