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In the present study, the color changes and moisture uptake of Koto (Pterygota macrocarpa K. Schum.), a pale yellow and non-durable wood, were investigated under heat treatment conditions at 160, 180, and 200 C for 3 hours under dry air conditions. The results indicated a reduction in luminance and moisture uptake as the temperature increased, which is attributed to the degradation of hemicelluloses during heat treatment resulting in an increase in carbonyl-containing species and a decrease in hydroxyl groups. The total color change (E*) of the wood surface exhibited a proportional relationship with the treatment temperature, increasing from 8.01 at 160 C to 39.50 at 200 C. This indicates that the wood specimens had assumed new colour completely. Conversely, the equilibrium moisture content of the wood significantly decreased at 200 C. Based on these findings, it is anticipated that heat-treated Koto wood could be utilized in areas where working and dimensional stability are critical, provided optimal heat treatment techniques are employed.