Removing the markup area in Microsoft Word involves hiding the comments and tracked changes so you can view your document without distractions. This can be accomplished quickly using the Review tab tools. Follow these steps for a clean, distraction-free document view.
How to Remove Markup Area in Word
Removing the markup area in Word helps you view your document without any of the distracting comments or tracked changes. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the Word document from which you want to remove the markup area.
Make sure you have the document where the markup area—comments and tracked changes—is visible and distracting.
Step 2: Navigate to the Review Tab
Go to the Review tab at the top of the Word window.
This tab contains all the tools you’ll need to hide the markup area.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Tracking’ Group
In the Review tab, find the Tracking group and click on it.
The Tracking section gives you access to options for displaying or hiding changes and comments.
Step 4: Select ‘No Markup’ from the Dropdown Menu
Click on the dropdown menu under Tracking and select ‘No Markup.’
Choosing ‘No Markup’ will hide all the tracked changes and comments, giving you a clean view of your document.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Finally, save your document to ensure the changes are applied.
Saving the document maintains your view settings for the next time you open it.
After these steps, you’ll notice that the comments and tracked changes are hidden, allowing you to read or print the document without distractions.
Tips for Removing Markup Area in Word
- Use ‘Simple Markup’ for a Balanced View: If you still want to see some changes but in a simplified manner, use the ‘Simple Markup’ option.
- Accept or Reject Changes: To permanently remove changes, go through each change and either accept or reject it.
- Remove Comments: For a completely clean document, delete any comments.
- Check Print Preview: Always check the print preview to ensure no hidden changes will appear when printed.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+E to toggle track changes on and off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I select ‘Original’ under the Tracking options?
Selecting ‘Original’ shows your document in its original state without any changes—essentially how it looked before any edits were made.
Can I permanently remove the markup?
Yes, you can permanently remove the markup by accepting or rejecting all changes and deleting all comments.
Will ‘No Markup’ affect my document edits?
No, ‘No Markup’ simply hides the edits and comments; it doesn’t remove them.
How do I delete all comments at once?
Go to the Review tab, click on ‘Delete’ in the Comments group, and select ‘Delete All Comments in Document.’
Can I customize which changes are shown?
Yes, in the Tracking dropdown, you can select ‘Show Markup’ and customize which changes to display.
Summary of Steps
- Open your document.
- Navigate to the Review tab.
- Click on the ‘Tracking’ group.
- Select ‘No Markup’ from the dropdown menu.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
Removing the markup area in Word is a simple yet effective way to declutter your document, providing a clean slate for reading or printing. By following these steps, you can easily hide comments and tracked changes, making your document more presentable and easier to read. Always remember to save your document after making these adjustments to ensure your view settings are preserved. For further reading, Microsoft’s official support documentation can be a helpful resource. Happy editing!
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.