Printing Problems

How to Print a Word Document Using Simple Markup

John WilsonJohn Wilson Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to print or export a Word document using the Simple Markup view, but the output still displays All Markup and shows the Changed Lines indicator.

How to Print a Word Document Using Simple Markup
Product
Word
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Printing or saving a document as PDF while trying to display only minimal track changes using the Simple Markup setting.
Observed behavior
The document ignores the Simple Markup view setting and prints or exports with All Markup visible, including detailed tracked changes and changed line indicators.
Before you start

Verify whether you want to permanently keep the tracked changes in the document or if you simply want to hide them temporarily for printing.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Advanced Track Changes Options

Modify the advanced tracking settings to strictly control which markup elements are included when printing or exporting to PDF.

By default, Word may force 'All Markup' during printing or exporting to ensure no document history is accidentally hidden. To override this, you must configure the exact markup types in the Advanced Track Changes Options dialog box.

1
Open the Review tab

Navigate to the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon of your Word application.

2
Access tracking settings

Click the small dialogue box launcher icon (the downward-pointing arrow) in the bottom right corner of the 'Tracking' group.

3
Open advanced options

In the Track Changes Options dialog box, click on the 'Advanced Options' button to reveal specific formatting and markup settings.

4
Customize markup display

Use the dropdown menus to select exactly which markup types (Insertions, Deletions, Formatting) should appear. Set them to '(none)' or 'Hidden' if you do not want them to show in the printed output.

5
Print or export the document

Click 'OK' to save your settings, then go to 'File' > 'Print' or 'File' > 'Export'. The document will now print according to your custom advanced markup configurations.

Configure Advanced Track Changes Options
Changed Lines Color Limitation: Microsoft Word does not provide a built-in option to change the color of the Changed Lines indicator. It will remain the default color regardless of your advanced settings.
Print Documents Easily with WPS Office

Manage and Print Tracked Changes Seamlessly in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and reliable way to manage tracked changes. You can easily switch between markup views and trust that your document will print exactly as it appears on your screen without complex advanced settings.

  1. 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the tracked changes.
  2. 2. Navigate to the Review tab: Click on the 'Review' tab in the top menu ribbon to access collaboration tools.
  3. 3. Select your markup view: Click the 'Track Changes' view dropdown and select your preferred display mode, such as 'Final' to hide the markup.
  4. 4. Print the document: Go to 'Menu' > 'Print'. Check the print preview to ensure it matches your selected view, then click 'Print'.
Print documents exactly as they appear in your selected reading viewSeamless format compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc)Intuitive collaboration and track changes toolsFree, lightweight, and fast document processing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word automatically switch to All Markup when I try to print?

Word switches to 'All Markup' during printing as a security measure to prevent users from accidentally distributing or printing hidden sensitive tracked changes. You must actively configure the advanced track changes settings or disable 'Print Markup' to prevent this.

Can I completely hide the Changed Lines indicator when printing?

Yes, you can hide the Changed Lines indicator by setting 'Changed lines' to '(none)' in the Advanced Track Changes Options dialog box. However, you cannot change the color of this indicator if you choose to display it.

How do I print a document without any track changes showing?

To print without any markup showing, go to File > Print, click on the first dropdown under Settings (usually displaying 'Print All Pages'), and uncheck the 'Print Markup' option at the bottom of the list. The document will then print as if all changes were accepted.