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Microsoft is giving its iconic Office suite a fresh visual identity, unveiling redesigned app icons that are more colorful, curvy, and playful. The update marks the first major change since 2018 and reflects the company’s evolving design philosophy influenced by its Fluent design language and the growing role of Copilot in Microsoft 365.
All 10 core Office apps—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook—are receiving the makeover, according to a report in The Verge. The new icons take inspiration from Microsoft’s Copilot branding, creating a more cohesive look that emphasizes connection, collaboration, and accessibility. Jon Friedman, corporate vice president of design and research for Microsoft 365, said the redesign aims to balance simplicity and creativity. “The new icons emanate a sense of fluidity and play, while also being simpler, more intuitive, and highly accessible,” Friedman explained.
The most noticeable change is the use of richer gradients. Where earlier versions used subtle shading, the updated icons adopt bolder, more vibrant transitions between colors. This not only makes the apps more visually appealing but also enhances contrast for better legibility across devices, according to a report in The Verge.
Microsoft has also made practical adjustments to improve clarity at smaller sizes. For instance, the Word icon previously featured four horizontal bars, but now uses three, making the design easier to read. Sharp edges and rigid lines have been replaced with smoother curves and folds, adding a sense of movement and approachability. “We’ve moved away from bold, static solidity to embrace softer, more fluid forms,” Friedman noted.
The design update comes at a time when major tech firms are modernizing their visual branding to better align with digital-first experiences. Much like Google’s recent rebranding, Microsoft is signaling a shift toward more user-friendly, dynamic, and inclusive design systems.
The new Office icons will roll out in the coming weeks across web, desktop, and mobile versions of Microsoft 365, bringing a more colorful and connected experience to millions of users worldwide.
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