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How to Fix Word Comments Not Visible to Coauthor on Mac
Question details
A coauthor using Microsoft Word on a Mac is unable to view comments added to a shared document, despite tracked changes functioning normally.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Reviewing and collaborating on a shared document with a coauthor.
- Observed behavior
- Inserted comments are completely hidden from the coauthor's view, even though tracked changes display correctly and the document has been updated and reshared.
Before proceeding, ensure the shared document is fully synced to OneDrive or SharePoint, and ask the coauthor to completely quit and restart their Word application to refresh the session.
Verify Word Versions and Modern Comments Settings
Microsoft's transition to Modern Comments can cause display inconsistencies between different versions of Word for Mac.
If one author is using a version of Word that supports Modern Comments and the other is not, comments may disappear from the traditional markup area or fail to display entirely.
On both Macs, open Microsoft Word and click 'Word' > 'About Microsoft Word' in the top menu bar to check the exact version numbers.
If the versions differ, navigate to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' on the outdated Mac and install the latest release.
Go to 'File' > 'Print' to see if the comments appear in the preview window. If they do, the issue is related to the display view settings rather than missing data.
Adjust Tracking and Markup Display Settings
Ensure that the coauthor's Word application is explicitly configured to show comments in the active markup view.
Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office for Mac
Avoid version compatibility issues and hidden comments by switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight alternative to Microsoft Word, ensuring your formatting, tracked changes, and comments display perfectly for all coauthors.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office for Mac from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your shared .docx file to immediately see all embedded comments.
- 3. Collaborate: Use the built-in Review tab to reply to comments, track changes, and share the document with coauthors flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word comments suddenly disappear on Mac?
Comments can disappear if the 'Show Markup' settings are toggled off, or if a recent software update switched your default view to the new Modern Comments pane. Check the Review tab to ensure comments are enabled and check the dedicated Comments button in the top right corner.
Can coauthors see comments if they use an older version of Word?
Yes, but older versions do not support Modern Comments. The comments will downgrade to legacy comments, which may look different or cause display conflicts if the document is being edited simultaneously by someone using Modern Comments.
How do I open the Modern Comments pane on Mac?
In the upper-right corner of the Word window, click the 'Comments' button. This will expand the dedicated Comments pane, allowing you to view, reply to, and resolve all threaded conversations in the document.
