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How to Hide Gray Bookmark Symbols and Formatting Marks in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user needs to identify and hide a gray, I-shaped nonprinting symbol, which is typically a bookmark marker, appearing in their Microsoft Word document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing or editing a document where nonprinting characters and symbols are visibly cluttering the text layout.
- Observed behavior
- Gray, I-shaped symbols (bookmark markers) and other formatting characters are visible on the screen but do not print.
Check if clicking the 'Show/Hide ¶' button on the Home tab removes the symbols, as standard formatting marks are toggled there, though bookmarks require a deeper settings change.
Disable Bookmark Markers in Word Preferences (Mac)
Use this method if you are using Microsoft Word on a Mac to hide the gray I-shaped bookmark brackets.
On macOS, Microsoft Word organizes its advanced viewing preferences slightly differently than on Windows. The gray symbol you are seeing is a bookmark indicator, which helps track specific locations in a document.
Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar next to the Apple logo, and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, click on 'View' located under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.
Look for the document view section and clear the 'Bookmarks' check box to instantly hide the markers from your screen.
Hide Bookmark Symbols in Word Options (Windows)
If you are using Microsoft Word on a Windows PC, you can remove bookmark symbols through the Advanced Options menu.
Use WPS Office to Seamlessly Manage Document Formatting
WPS Office provides an intuitive and highly compatible word processor where you can easily toggle bookmarks, formatting marks, and non-printing characters without digging through complicated menus.
- 1. Open Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your Word document in the Writer application.
- 2. Access the View Options: Click on the 'Menu' button at the top left corner and select 'Options' from the drop-down list.
- 3. Hide Bookmark Symbols: Navigate to the 'View' tab in the Options dialog, uncheck 'Bookmarks' under the Formatting marks section, and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are formatting marks in a Word document?
Formatting marks, or nonprinting characters, are hidden symbols that represent spaces, tabs, paragraph breaks, and page breaks. They help you understand the layout and spacing of your document but do not appear when printed.
Why doesn't the Show/Hide ¶ button hide bookmark symbols?
Bookmark symbols are structural markers rather than standard formatting marks (like spaces or tabs). Because of this, they are controlled independently in the advanced View settings or Options menu, rather than by the standard Show/Hide ¶ toggle on the Home ribbon.
How can I permanently delete a bookmark instead of just hiding the symbol?
To remove a bookmark entirely, go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Bookmark' in the Links group, select the name of the bookmark you want to remove from the list, and click 'Delete'.
