Document Editing Problems

How to Fix Word Comments Appearing in Wrong Section & Pink Text

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is experiencing issues where inserted comments in Microsoft Word anchor to the wrong section of the document, and the text unexpectedly turns pink.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding comments to generated content like a bibliography or field, or reviewing a document with Track Changes enabled.
Observed behavior: Comments anchor incorrectly instead of attaching to the selected text, and document text displays in pink.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting, determine if the affected text is part of a dynamically generated field (such as a Table of Contents or bibliography) by clicking on it to see if it highlights as a single block.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert Generated Fields to Static Text

Use this method if your comments are failing to anchor correctly because they are being applied to dynamically generated fields.

Microsoft Word often struggles to anchor comments directly to text generated by fields, such as bibliographies, tables of contents, or cross-references. Converting these fields to static text resolves the anchoring issue.

Test on normal text

Add a comment to ordinary body text elsewhere in the document to confirm the issue is isolated to specific fields.

Select the field

Highlight the generated field (e.g., the bibliography or table of contents) that you want to comment on.

Convert to static text

Press Ctrl+Shift+F9 on your keyboard to convert the dynamic field into static, editable text.

Insert the comment

Highlight the specific word or phrase again and insert your comment; it should now anchor correctly to the text.

Warning about updating fields: Converting a field to static text means it will no longer update automatically if you add new references or headings to your document.

Solution 2

Disable Modern Comments and Adjust Track Changes

Use this method to stop text from turning pink when adding comments or tracking changes.

WPS Writer Solution

Use WPS Writer for Reliable Document Commenting

WPS Office offers a robust and highly compatible word processor. If you are struggling with Microsoft Word's modern comments or anchoring bugs, you can easily open your document in WPS Writer to add comments and track changes seamlessly.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file.
2. Select the text: Highlight the specific text, paragraph, or field where you want to leave a note.
3. Add a new comment: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'New Comment' to insert your feedback accurately anchored to the selected text.
4. Manage Track Changes: To adjust markup colors, click 'Track Changes' > 'Track Changes Options' under the Review tab to customize how edits are displayed.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx).Stable and intuitive commenting system that anchors accurately.Clear and customizable Track Changes markup without forced pink text.Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my text turn pink when I add a comment in Word?

Text often turns pink due to Microsoft Word's 'Modern Comments' feature or specific Track Changes markup color settings. You can resolve this by disabling Modern Comments in File > Options > General, or by adjusting the markup colors under the Review tab.

How do I add a comment to a Table of Contents in Word?

Because a Table of Contents is a generated field, comments may not anchor correctly. You can try converting the Table of Contents to static text by highlighting it and pressing Ctrl+Shift+F9 before adding the comment, or add the comment to the surrounding regular body text instead.

What is a generated field in a Word document?

A generated field is dynamic text created automatically by Word, such as page numbers, tables of contents, or bibliographies. These fields update automatically but can restrict direct formatting or commenting until they are converted to static text.

Document & File Issues