Document Editing Problems

How to Highlight and Filter Word Comments by a Specific Reviewer

Emma Brown Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to identify, filter, or highlight comments and annotations made by a specific person in a Word document.

How to Highlight Word Comments from a Specific Reviewer

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing a collaboratively edited document with multiple authors and needing to isolate feedback from one particular contributor.
Observed behavior: By default, all reviewers' comments are shown together, making it difficult to find and focus on a single reviewer's input.

Before you start

Ensure your document contains tracked changes or comments from multiple authors, and switch to Print Layout view to clearly see the markup panel on the right.

Solution 1Recommended

Filter Comments by Specific Reviewer using Show Markup

Use the built-in tracking features to display changes and comments from just one author without needing complex code.

The easiest way to isolate comments from a single person is by filtering the markup view. This method changes what is displayed on your screen but does not permanently alter or highlight the text formatting.

Navigate to the Review tab

Open your document and click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon.

Access the Show Markup menu

In the Tracking group, click on 'Show Markup' to open the drop-down menu.

Clear all reviewers

Hover over 'Specific People' and uncheck 'All Reviewers' to temporarily hide everyone's comments.

Select the target reviewer

Go back to 'Show Markup' > 'Specific People' and check the box next to the specific reviewer's name whose comments you want to see.

Filter Comments by Specific Reviewer using Show Markup

Quick Tip: You can quickly toggle reviewers on and off to compare notes from different collaborators.

Solution 2

Use a VBA Macro to Apply Highlight Color

Automate the process of applying a physical highlight color to comments left by a specific author using a VBA macro.

Efficient Document Collaboration

Manage Comments Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and highly compatible reviewing interface. You can effortlessly track changes, filter comments by specific reviewers, and collaborate with your team.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the comments.
2. Go to the Review tab: Click on the 'Review' tab on the top toolbar to access collaboration tools.
3. Filter the reviewers: Click on 'Reviewers' in the ribbon. Deselect 'All Reviewers' and choose the specific person's name to isolate their feedback.
4. Manage the comments: View the filtered comments in the markup area to read, reply, or resolve them efficiently.

Completely free and lightweight office suiteSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) documentsUser-friendly Review tab for managing comments and tracked changesEasily filter, accept, or reject feedback from specific authors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete comments from only one specific reviewer?

Yes. First, filter the document to show only that reviewer's comments using Show Markup > Specific People. Then, click the arrow below the 'Delete' button on the Review tab and select 'Delete All Comments Shown'.

Why is the 'Specific People' option grayed out?

The option will be inactive if the document does not contain any comments or tracked changes, or if there is only one author who has made edits to the document.

Does filtering comments change the document for everyone else?

No, using the 'Show Markup' filter only changes your personal display view. However, if you use a VBA macro to apply a physical highlight color to the comment text, that formatting change will be saved and visible to others.

How do I find a specific word inside someone's comment?

You can open the Reviewing Pane from the Review tab to see all comments in a list, then use the standard Find shortcut (Ctrl + F) to search for specific text within the comments.

Document & File Issues