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How to Add Comments to Overlapping Text with Legacy Word Comments
Question details
The user needs to add separate comments to individual lines or specific text ranges within an older DOC file that already contains legacy comments spanning multiple lines.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Editing an older DOC file and needing to insert new comments into text that is already covered by an existing legacy comment.
- Observed behavior
- Older file formats restrict replying to existing legacy comments, and creating overlapping new comments requires specific text selection or reverting to classic comments in Mac preferences.
Ensure your document is saved and check if it is in an older .doc format or the newer .docx format, as older formats may limit your ability to use modern threaded comment replies.
Add New Comments to Specific Overlapping Text Ranges
Use this method if you are working with an older DOC file and need to add separate comments to text that is already part of an existing legacy comment.
Even if a large block of text is already covered by a legacy comment, you can still annotate specific words or lines within that block by manually defining a new text range.
Click and drag your cursor carefully over the exact words or lines you want to comment on, even if they overlap with an existing legacy comment's highlighted area.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon and click on 'New Comment', or right-click the selected text and choose 'New Comment' from the context menu.
Type your separate comment into the newly created comment box and click outside the box or press Esc to save it.
Temporarily Disable Modern Comments in Word for Mac
If you are using Word for Mac and prefer the classic commenting interface to manage legacy comments, you can temporarily disable the modern comments feature.
Easily Add and Manage Comments in WPS Writer
Avoid compatibility issues and confusing modern-vs-legacy settings by using WPS Writer. It allows you to precisely select text ranges, add comments, and collaborate seamlessly on both older DOC and newer DOCX files.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your older DOC or newer DOCX file in WPS Writer.
- 2. Select the target text: Highlight the specific word, phrase, or line where you want to add a new comment, regardless of whether existing comments overlap.
- 3. Insert the comment: Go to the 'Review' tab at the top and click on 'Comment', or simply right-click the highlighted text and select 'New Comment'.
- 4. Save and collaborate: Type your text into the comment bubble. Your comments will be saved flawlessly with full Microsoft Word compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I reply to existing comments in my older DOC file?
Older .doc file formats do not support the threaded reply feature introduced in newer versions of Word. To reply, you either need to save the file as a modern .docx format or manually select the text and add a brand new comment next to the old one.
How do I select text that is already inside an existing comment?
You can click and drag your cursor over the specific words you want to annotate, even if they are already highlighted for another comment. Once the specific sub-selection is highlighted, click 'New Comment'.
Can I permanently disable modern comments in Word?
In older updates of Word for Mac, you can disable them via Word > Preferences > General. However, Microsoft is gradually making modern comments the default, and newer versions may no longer allow you to switch back to classic comments.
Will my legacy comments be lost if I convert a DOC file to DOCX?
No, your legacy comments will be preserved and converted into standard comments when you save the document as a .docx file. Once converted, you may gain the ability to use modern threaded replies.
