How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Delete Current Comment in Word for Mac
Question details
The user wants to assign a keyboard shortcut to delete only the currently selected comment in Word for Mac, avoiding commands that accidentally delete all comments in the document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Customizing keyboard shortcuts to streamline the process of reviewing and deleting individual comments in a document.
- Observed behavior
- Default or commonly found commands like DeleteAllCommentsInDoc remove every comment in the file, rather than targeting just the active one.
Ensure your document is open in Word for Mac and that you have navigated to the 'Customize Keyboard' dialog box to assign new shortcut keys.
Assign Shortcut to the DeleteAnnotation Command
The correct underlying command to delete a single active comment in Word for Mac is 'DeleteAnnotation'.
When customizing keyboard shortcuts in Word for Mac, many users mistakenly select 'DeleteAllCommentsInDoc' or 'DeleteAllCommentsShown'. These commands will clear multiple comments at once. To delete just the one comment you are currently focused on, you must use the specific 'DeleteAnnotation' command.
Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Go to the 'Tools' menu at the top of the screen and select 'Customize Keyboard' from the dropdown list.
In the Customize Keyboard dialog box, select 'All Commands' under the 'Categories' list. Then, scroll through or search the 'Commands' list to find and select 'DeleteAnnotation'.
Click inside the 'Press new keyboard shortcut' field and press your preferred key combination (e.g., Control + D). Click the 'Assign' button, and then click 'OK' to save your changes.
Manage Comments Easily with WPS Office for Mac
If navigating complex command lists like 'DeleteAnnotation' in Microsoft Word feels tedious, try WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that makes document reviewing and comment management effortless on your Mac.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for Mac from the official website and install the application.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word (.docx) document.
- 3. Manage Comments Seamlessly: Navigate to the Review tab to easily view, reply to, or delete specific comments using straightforward interface buttons instead of digging through internal macro names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my keyboard shortcut delete all comments in Word for Mac?
You have likely assigned the shortcut to a batch-delete command such as 'DeleteAllCommentsInDoc' or 'DeleteAllCommentsShown'. To fix this, change the assigned command to 'DeleteAnnotation', which targets only the active comment.
Can I delete a comment without a keyboard shortcut in Word for Mac?
Yes. You can simply right-click the specific comment bubble in the margin and select 'Delete Comment', or click the 'Delete' button located in the Review tab on the main ribbon.
How do I check what my current keyboard shortcuts are assigned to?
Go to Tools > Customize Keyboard. Select any command in the list, and look at the 'Current keys' box to see if any keyboard shortcut is currently bound to that specific action.
