Fix Word for iPad Not Printing Comments or Tracked Changes
Question details
The user needs to print a document including its comments and tracked changes directly from an iPad, but the markup does not appear on the printed pages.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a heavily edited document with visible markup via an AirPrint connection on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- Comments and tracked changes display correctly on the iPad screen but are completely omitted when the document is printed.
Verify that your iPad is connected to an AirPrint-compatible printer and ensure your document is fully synced to a cloud service like OneDrive or iCloud.
Print Document Markup Using the Desktop Version of Word
Since the iPad version of Word may lack native support for printing markup after recent updates, using a desktop computer is the most reliable method.
Microsoft Word for iPad has limitations regarding print rendering, especially for advanced document features like tracked changes. By accessing the document on a desktop device, you bypass the mobile app's restrictions.
On your iPad, ensure the document is saved and synced to your OneDrive, iCloud, or another accessible cloud storage service.
Log into your PC or Mac, open the desktop version of Microsoft Word, and load the synced document from your cloud storage.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner and select 'Print' from the side menu.
Under the 'Settings' section, click the first drop-down menu (usually labeled 'Print All Pages') and ensure that 'Print Markup' is checked at the bottom of the list.
Click the 'Print' button to output your document with all comments and tracked changes visible.
Update the Word App and iPadOS
Software bugs affecting the print spooler are often patched in newer updates. Keeping your app and operating system current may restore missing functionality.
Edit and Print Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word for iPad limits your ability to print document markup, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides robust document editing and printing features on mobile devices without the frustrating compatibility issues.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office for free from the App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open your document: Launch the app and open your existing .docx file directly; your formatting and markup will load perfectly.
- 3. Print with ease: Tap the 'Tools' icon, navigate to the 'File' tab, select 'Print', and configure your document output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I force Word for iPad to print comments?
Currently, Word for iPad has limited native support for rendering tracked changes and comments to a printer. The most effective workaround is to open and print the document from a Mac or Windows PC.
Will my tracked changes be lost if I open the iPad document on a PC?
No. As long as your document is saved in the .docx format and synced via a cloud service like OneDrive or iCloud, all your tracked changes and comments remain safely stored in the file and will appear on your PC.
Why do the comments show on my iPad screen but not on paper?
The screen display and the print spooler in the mobile version of Word use different rendering engines. Mobile print protocols sometimes fail to process the overlaid markup layers, resulting in a printed document that only shows the base text.
