Suggesting edits in Word means making changes that others can review before they are accepted. Word does this with Track Changes, which marks insertions and deletions, and with comments for notes that are not direct edits. It is the standard way to review someone else’s document.
Quick Answer
Open the Review tab, click Track Changes so it is on, and edit normally. Your insertions and deletions appear as marked suggestions. Use New Comment for notes. The author accepts or rejects each change.
How to Add Suggestions in Word
- Open the document and select the Review tab.
- Click Track Changes to turn it on (the button stays highlighted).
- Choose All Markup in the display box so suggestions are visible.
- Type, delete, or replace text as normal. Word marks each change in color with your name.
- Select text and click New Comment to add a note instead of an edit, then save and send the document back.
Review Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Track Changes | Mark edits as suggestions |
| New Comment | Leave a note without editing |
| Accept or Reject | Author decides on each suggestion |
| Simple or All Markup | How much detail you see |
| Restrict editing | Force all edits to be tracked |
Troubleshooting
- Your name shows as Author: set your name in File, Options, General, User name.
- Changes are not being tracked: check that Track Changes is highlighted, and that the document is not in Read Mode.
- To merge suggestions from several reviewers, see how to combine comments from two Word documents.
- For writing suggestions from Word itself, read how to use Editor in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the author see who made each suggestion?
Yes. Each change is labeled with the reviewer’s name and time.
How do I stop others from turning off tracking?
Use Track Changes, Lock Tracking, and set a password.
Is there a Suggesting mode like Google Docs?
Track Changes is Word’s equivalent. In Word for the web, the Editing menu also offers Reviewing mode.
Summary
- Open the Review tab.
- Turn on Track Changes.
- Edit normally and add comments.
- Save and send for review.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.