“Getting out of editor mode” in Word can mean a few different things depending on what you’re seeing: the Editing mode button in the top-right corner, the Editor pane full of spelling and grammar suggestions, Read Mode, a yellow Protected View bar, or tracked changes. This guide explains each one and how to leave it, or get back into editing if that’s what you need.
Quick Answer
- To stop editing and just read: Click the Editing button at the top-right of the ribbon and choose Viewing.
- To close the spelling and grammar pane: Click the X at the top of the Editor pane.
- To leave Read Mode: Press Esc, or click View > Edit Document.
Switch Between Editing, Reviewing, and Viewing
Word for Microsoft 365 and Word for the web show a mode button at the top-right of the ribbon.
- Click the button that says Editing.
- Choose:
- Viewing to read without accidentally changing anything.
- Reviewing to suggest changes; your edits are tracked.
- Editing to go back to normal editing.
If the mode button is missing in the desktop app, your version may not have it. Use Read Mode or tracked changes below instead.
Close the Editor Pane (Spelling and Grammar)
- Click the X at the top-right of the Editor pane.
- To hide red and blue underlines entirely, go to File > Options > Proofing and uncheck Check spelling as you type and Mark grammar errors as you type.
Exit Read Mode
Read Mode hides the ribbon and shows pages side by side. To exit, press Esc, click View > Edit Document, or click the Print Layout icon in the status bar at the bottom right.
Protected View (Yellow or Red Bar)
Documents from email or the internet open in Protected View, which blocks editing for safety. If you trust the file, click Enable Editing on the yellow bar. A red bar indicates a potential problem; only continue if you’re sure the file is safe.
Turn Off Track Changes
If every edit shows in color with lines in the margin, Track Changes is on. Go to Review > Track Changes and click it to turn it off. Existing changes stay until you accept or reject them with Review > Accept or Reject.
Document Won’t Let You Edit?
- Restrict Editing: If the author limited editing, go to Review > Restrict Editing and click Stop Protection (a password may be required).
- Marked as Final: Click Edit Anyway on the message bar.
- Read-only file: Save a copy with File > Save As under a new name.
- Shared view-only link: Ask the owner for edit permission in OneDrive or SharePoint.
- Unlicensed Office: If Word says it’s in reduced functionality mode, sign in with a Microsoft 365 account that has a license.
If the page layout looks wrong, see restoring the normal view in Word.
Summary
- Use the Editing mode button to switch to Viewing or Reviewing.
- Close the Editor pane with its X.
- Press Esc to leave Read Mode.
- Click Enable Editing for Protected View, and turn off Track Changes on the Review tab.
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.