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How to Fix Hidden Text Remaining Visible in Word
Question details
The user needs to know why hidden text and citation fields remain visible on the screen despite toggling the standard Show/Hide paragraph button, and how to properly hide them.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting a document or Table of Authorities where citation fields and hidden texts are unexpectedly visible.
- Observed behavior
- Hidden text and nonprinting marks continue to display on the screen even after turning off the standard formatting marks toggle.
Ensure you have saved your document before modifying application settings. Hiding text only alters your screen view and print output, without deleting the actual text or citation fields from your file.
Disable Always-Show Settings for Hidden Text in Word Options
Modify Word's Display settings to stop hidden text and specific formatting marks from constantly remaining visible.
Microsoft Word allows certain formatting marks, such as hidden text, to be permanently visible regardless of the main Show/Hide button state. To completely hide citation fields and other nonprinting marks, you must adjust the Display settings in Word Options.
Press 'Ctrl+Shift+8' on your keyboard, or click the Paragraph Mark (¶) button on the Home tab to turn off standard formatting marks.
Click the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the Word interface, then click 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Display' from the left-hand navigation pane.
Locate the section labeled 'Always show these formatting marks on the screen'. Uncheck the box for 'Hidden text' and any other marks you want to hide, then click 'OK'.
Easily Manage Formatting Marks with WPS Office
WPS Office provides an intuitive and highly compatible word processor where you can seamlessly toggle formatting marks, hidden text, and paragraph layouts without digging through complex settings.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document containing the hidden text or citation fields.
- 2. Access the Home Tab: Navigate to the Home tab on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Toggle Show/Hide Editing Marks: Click the paragraph symbol icon (¶) to instantly hide or reveal non-printing characters.
- 4. Adjust Advanced View Settings: For deeper control, click Menu > Options > View, and uncheck 'Hidden text' under the Formatting marks section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the keyboard shortcut to show or hide paragraph marks in Word?
You can quickly toggle paragraph and formatting marks by pressing Ctrl+Shift+8 (or Ctrl+*) on your keyboard.
Will hiding text remove it from my document?
No, hiding text only prevents it from being displayed on the screen or printed. The text remains intact within the document data and can be revealed again at any time.
Why are citation fields showing up in my Table of Authorities?
Citation fields (TA fields) are formatted as hidden text by default. If your Word Display settings are configured to 'Always show' hidden text, these fields will remain visible in the document.
How do I print hidden text in Word?
To print hidden text, go to File > Options > Display, and under the 'Printing options' section, check the box for 'Print hidden text' before sending your document to the printer.
