Fix Word for Mac Opening the Reviewing Pane Automatically
Question details
Users need to prevent the Reviewing pane from automatically opening when working with document markup and comments.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Editing or reviewing a document that contains comments or tracked changes.
- Observed behavior
- The left-side Reviewing pane automatically pops open to display comments, even when there are only a few short comments, disrupting the document workspace.
Make sure you know whether you are using the modern Comments pane or the legacy Reviewing pane, as fixing the automatic pop-up behavior requires adjusting settings specifically for legacy markup balloons.
Adjust Track Changes Balloon Settings
Prevent the legacy Reviewing pane from opening by increasing the markup-area width so comments fit comfortably within the document margin.
Word for Mac automatically opens the Reviewing pane when there isn't enough space in the right margin to display comments or markup balloons. By manually increasing this width, you can keep the pane hidden.
Click on 'Word' in the top-left Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
In the Preferences window, click on 'Track Changes' located under the Output and Sharing section.
Locate the 'Balloons' section at the bottom. Adjust the 'Preferred width' setting to a larger value to give the markup area more space.
Close the Preferences window, restart Microsoft Word, and open your document to confirm the Reviewing pane no longer opens automatically.
Update Software and Disable Add-ins
Outdated software or conflicting third-party add-ins can cause unexpected behavior with Word's interface panes.
Try WPS Office for a Smoother Document Review Experience on Mac
If Microsoft Word for Mac continues to display disruptive panes while you edit, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a clean, lightweight interface for managing comments and tracked changes without cluttering your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Reviewing pane and the Comments pane?
The Reviewing pane is a legacy feature that typically opens on the left side to show all tracked changes and comments when they cannot fit in the margins. The modern Comments pane typically opens on the right and is specifically designed for threaded conversations.
Why does the Reviewing pane open even for short comments?
This usually happens if your markup-area width in Preferences is set too narrow for the display, or if you are using legacy comment formats instead of modern threaded comments.
How do I close the Reviewing pane manually?
You can close it by clicking the 'Reviewing Pane' button on the 'Review' tab in the ribbon, or by simply clicking the 'X' at the top corner of the pane itself.
Will restarting my Mac fix pane display issues in Word?
Yes, a simple system restart can often resolve temporary UI glitches in Word for Mac, especially if they began occurring immediately after installing a recent macOS or Office update.
