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How to Show All Comments in a Right-Side Column in Word
Question details
The user wants to display all document comments in a column beside the text instead of the Reviewing pane, restoring the classic comment balloons view.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing or grading a document where seeing comments in context next to the text is necessary.
- Observed behavior
- Comments are hidden or only visible in the Reviewing pane, making it difficult to read them alongside the document content.
Ensure you have your document open in Print Layout view, as comment balloons do not display correctly in Draft or Web Layout views.
Enable Comment Balloons via the Review Tab
Adjust the markup settings in the Review tab to force comments to appear in right-side balloons.
This is the standard method for controlling how markup and comments are displayed in Microsoft Word. It allows you to force comments into the margins rather than relying on the Reviewing pane.
Open your document in Microsoft Word and navigate to the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
In the Tracking group, click on the 'Display for Review' drop-down menu and select 'All Markup'.
Click on the 'Show Markup' option, hover your mouse over 'Balloons', and select 'Show Only Comments and Formatting in Balloons'.
Close and restart Microsoft Word to ensure the balloon settings are saved and applied as the default view.
Disable Modern Comments in Word Options
Turn off the modern comments feature to restore the classic right-side column comment balloons.
How to View All Comments in the Right Column using WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides a highly compatible and intuitive interface for managing document comments. You can easily view all comments in a clean right-side column without dealing with confusing 'modern' updates.
- 1. Open Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx document containing the comments.
- 2. Navigate to the Review Tab: Click on the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon menu to access all markup and collaboration tools.
- 3. Toggle Show Comments: Ensure the 'Show Comments' button is toggled on. All comments will automatically display in a dedicated column on the right side of the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my comment balloons disappear in Word?
Microsoft Word introduced a 'Modern Comments' feature in newer updates. This changes how comments are displayed, often hiding them behind tiny icons or forcing them into a separate Reviewing pane instead of the classic right-side margin.
Can I print the document with the comment balloons visible?
Yes. Go to File > Print, click on the 'Print All Pages' drop-down under settings, and ensure 'Print Markup' is checked. The document will print with the comments displayed in the right margin.
What should I do if the 'Enable modern comments' option is missing?
If the option is missing in File > Options > General, your version of Word may have permanently transitioned to the new comment style, or it is controlled by your organization's IT policies. You will need to rely on the Reviewing Pane or the 'Show Markup' balloons settings to view comments.
Do comment balloons work in Web Layout view?
No, comment balloons require Print Layout view to display correctly in the right-side margin. Switch to View > Print Layout from the ribbon if they are not appearing.
