Comments in Google Docs appear in the right margin, which is great for collaborating but distracting when you want to read, present or share a clean copy. Google Docs doesn’t have a single “hide comments” switch for everyone, but you can hide them from your own view, resolve them, or share and export a version without them. This guide covers every method on a computer and on phones and tablets.
Quick Answer
Click the mode button at the top right (it shows Editing) and choose Viewing, or go to View > Mode > Viewing. Comments and suggestions are hidden from your screen; they’re still in the document for everyone else.
Method 1: Switch to Viewing Mode
- Open the document.
- Click the Editing button at the top right, next to the comment icon, or open View > Mode.
- Choose Viewing.
This affects only your screen. To go back, choose Editing or Suggesting. People with view-only access see the document without the comment margin by default.
Method 2: Resolve Comments
Resolving a comment removes it from the margin and saves it in the comment history.
- Click the comment and then the check mark (Mark as resolved).
- To see resolved comments later, click the comment history icon (a speech bubble) at the top right and choose Resolved or All comments.
- Click Re-open on any comment to bring it back.
Resolving is visible to all collaborators, so use it only for comments that have been dealt with.
Method 3: Share a Clean Copy
- Make a copy without comments: go to File > Make a copy. Leave Copy comments and suggestions unchecked, then share the copy.
- Share view-only: people with Viewer access can’t see comments unless you give them Commenter or Editor access. Check Share > Settings to confirm viewers can’t see comment history.
- Publish to the web: File > Share > Publish to web creates a read-only page without comments. Anyone with the link can see it, so don’t use it for private documents.
Method 4: Print or Export Without Comments
- Print and PDF: File > Print and File > Download > PDF leave comments out by default. Suggested edits may still appear unless you accept or reject them first, or switch to Viewing mode before printing.
- Word (.docx): File > Download > Microsoft Word includes comments. Delete or resolve them first, or remove them in Word with Review > Delete > Delete All Comments.
Method 5: Delete Comments Permanently
If you’re the comment’s author or have edit access, click the three dots on the comment and choose Delete. Deleted comments can’t be recovered from comment history, so resolve instead if you might need them.
On iPhone, iPad and Android
- In the Google Docs app, comments appear as highlights. Tap the pencil icon to edit, or stay in the default reading view where the comments panel is closed.
- Tap a highlighted comment and then the check mark to resolve it.
- Open the three dots > Comments to see all comments.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Goal | Best method |
|---|---|
| Read without distractions | Viewing mode |
| Clear finished discussions | Resolve |
| Send a clean version | Make a copy without comments, or PDF |
| Remove for good | Delete |
Related: Download a Google Doc with comments.
Related: Get out of suggestion mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hide comments from other people?
Not in the same document if they have Commenter or Editor access. Share a copy without comments or give them Viewer access instead.
Why do I still see highlighted text?
That’s an open comment or suggestion. Switch to Viewing mode or resolve it.
How do I add a comment?
See how to add a comment in Google Docs.
Summary
- Switch to Viewing mode to hide comments on your screen.
- Resolve comments that are finished.
- Make a copy without comments or download a PDF to share a clean version.
- Delete comments only if you won’t need them again.
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.