To switch between Editing and Suggesting mode in Google Docs, click the mode button in the top-right of the toolbar (it shows a pencil and says Editing, Suggesting, or Viewing) and choose the mode you want. In Suggesting mode, your changes appear as colored suggestions that the owner can accept or reject; in Editing mode, changes are made directly. Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Z for Suggesting and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X for Editing (Command + Option + Shift on a Mac).
This guide covers switching modes on a computer and phone, how suggestions look, accepting and rejecting them, why you might be stuck in one mode, and tips for reviewing documents.
Switch modes on a computer
- Open the document.
- Click the mode button at the right end of the toolbar.
- Choose Editing, Suggesting, or Viewing.
You can also go to View > Mode and pick a mode.
What each mode does
| Mode | What happens | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Editing | Changes apply directly | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X |
| Suggesting | Insertions appear in color, deletions are struck through, and each change becomes a suggestion with a comment | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Z |
| Viewing | Read-only view that hides suggestions and comments | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + C |
Switch modes on the mobile app
- Open the document and tap the three dots (More).
- Turn Suggest changes on or off.
Accept or reject suggestions
- Click a suggestion (or its comment card) and click the check mark to accept or X to reject.
- To handle all at once, click Tools > Review suggested edits, then Accept all or Reject all.
- Use Preview accept all or Preview reject all in the review panel to see the result first.
Why you can’t switch to Editing
- You have Commenter access – commenters can only suggest. Ask the owner to change your access to Editor.
- You have Viewer access – you can’t edit or suggest. Request edit access with the button at the top.
- The document is locked – owners can lock a file in Drive to prevent edits.
Tips for reviewing documents
- Use Suggesting mode when editing someone else’s writing so they keep control.
- Add a comment with each suggestion to explain why.
- Check File > Version history to see all changes over time.
- Make suggestions the default for collaborators by sharing with Commenter access.
Related: Get out of Editing mode in Google Docs.
Related: Get out of suggestion mode.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Suggesting the default for everyone?
Not for editors. Share the document with Commenter access so collaborators can only suggest.
Do suggestions show when I print or download?
Downloads and prints can include suggestions. Accept or reject them first, or use Viewing mode to preview the final version.
Is Suggesting mode the same as Track Changes in Word?
It works similarly. When you download as .docx, suggestions become tracked changes.
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.