What is the shortcut for adding a comment in Word?

On Windows, select the relevant text and press Ctrl + Alt + M . Type your message, then post it. Keyboard behavior can vary on Mac, so Review > New Comment is the most consistent method across versions.

Can I add a comment without changing the document text?

Yes. A comment attaches feedback to selected text or a cursor position without replacing the content. It remains separate from direct edits and tracked changes.

How do I add comments in Word for the web?

Open the document in editing mode, select the text, choose Review > New Comment , enter your message, and post it. You must have the necessary commenting or editing permission.

Can I add comments in Word on my phone?

Yes. In the Word app for iPhone, iPad, or Android, double-tap where you want the comment to appear—or select the exact text—then scroll through the context-menu options and tap New Comment . Type your note and post it. The command position may vary with the device and app version.

How do I tag someone in a Word comment?

In a supported shared Microsoft 365 document, type @ and the person’s name inside the comment, select the correct contact, and post it. The file must be shared in a way that gives that person access.

What is the difference between comments and Track Changes?

Comments contain notes and discussion. Track Changes records actual insertions, deletions, and formatting edits that a reviewer can accept or reject.

How to Add Comments in Word on Windows, Mac, and Web

To add comments in Word, select the text you want to comment on, go to Review > New Comment, type your note, and select Post Comment. On Windows, press Ctrl + Alt + M to insert a comment faster.

Key Takeaways

The standard method is to select text, open Review, choose New Comment, type your note, and post it.
On Windows, Ctrl + Alt + M opens a new comment faster; you can also right-click selected text and choose New Comment.
Comments attach feedback to text without rewriting it. Use Track Changes when you need to propose visible edits to the document itself.
The sections below cover Word on Windows, Mac, the web, and mobile, followed by common commenting situations, comment management, troubleshooting, and WPS Writer.

Quick Ways to Add a Comment in Word

Microsoft Word provides several ways to insert comments in Word or comment on a Word document without changing the original text. The best choice depends on whether you prefer the ribbon, a context menu, or a keyboard shortcut. All three methods attach the comment to selected text or to the current cursor position.

Method	Best for	Main action
Review tab	Most users and first-time reviewers	Select text, then choose Review > New Comment
Right-click menu	Adding feedback without moving to the ribbon	Right-click selected text and choose New Comment
Keyboard shortcut	Frequent reviewers	Press Ctrl + Alt + M on Windows
Comments pane	Reviewing several discussions in one place	Open Comments and choose New

The Review-tab method is the clearest option across modern desktop versions. If the interface on your device looks different, look for Comments, New Comment, or a speech-bubble icon.

How to Add Comments in Word from the Review Tab

This is the standard method in Microsoft Word for Windows and the most reliable starting point when you are working in a document with the desktop app.

Step 1: Select the text you want to comment on

Drag across a word, sentence, or paragraph so Word can connect your note to that exact passage. To leave a general note at a location rather than on specific words, place the cursor where the comment should appear.

Select text before adding a comment in Word

Step 2: Open the Review tab

Go to the ribbon at the top of Word and select Review. This tab contains comments, tracking, comparison, spelling, and other tools used during document review.

Open the Review tab and select New Comment in Microsoft Word

Step 3: Choose New Comment

Select New Comment. A comment box opens beside the document or in the Comments pane, depending on your Word version and current comment-view setting.

Step 4: Type and post your comment

Enter a clear note that tells the reader what you are asking or recommending. In modern comments, the text may remain a draft until you choose Post comment or use the available posting shortcut. Posting makes the comment visible to other people who can access the document.

Type feedback and select Post Comment in Microsoft Word

Good comment: “Could we add the source for this figure?” This is more actionable than a vague message such as “Fix this.” When several people review the file, concise and specific comments make each thread easier to resolve.

How to Add Comments by Right-Clicking or Using a Shortcut