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How to Show Tracked Changes and Comments in Word Margins
Question details
The user needs to display tracked changes and comments in the margins of a Word document but cannot find the Margin option.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adjusting track changes and comment display settings to view document revisions more clearly.
- Observed behavior
- The Margin option for displaying comment balloons is missing from Word's Advanced Track Changes Options, preventing the user from viewing revisions in the margins.
Save your current document progress, as you will need to completely close and restart Microsoft Word for these tracking interface settings to take effect.
Disable Modern Comments to Restore Margin Settings
Turn off the new modern comments feature in Word's general settings to bring back the classic Advanced Track Changes Options, including the missing Margin configuration.
Recent updates to Microsoft Word introduced a 'Modern Comments' interface that changes how document markup is displayed. When this feature is active, it overrides and hides the classic margin settings for balloons. Disabling it is the quickest way to get the traditional margin view back.
Launch Microsoft Word, open your document, and click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner. Select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select the 'General' tab. Scroll down to the 'User Interface options' section and clear the checkbox next to 'Enable modern comments'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Completely close Microsoft Word and then reopen your document.
Navigate to the 'Review' tab, click the dialog box launcher (small arrow) in the bottom right corner of the Tracking group, and verify that the Margin settings for balloons have returned.
Experience Hassle-Free Track Changes with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with missing features and forced interface changes in Microsoft Word? WPS Office provides a reliable, classic tracking and commenting system that just works, completely free of charge.
- 1. Open your Document in WPS Writer: Launch the free WPS Office suite and open your existing .docx file.
- 2. Navigate to the Review Tab: Click on the 'Review' tab located in the top ribbon menu to access collaboration tools.
- 3. Enable Track Changes and Balloons: Click 'Track Changes' to enable document tracking. Then, click 'Balloons' and select 'Show Revisions in Balloons' to easily view all markup in the right margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the tracked changes margin option disappear in Word?
Microsoft introduced the 'Modern Comments' feature in recent updates to streamline collaboration. When enabled, this feature alters how comments and revisions appear, intentionally hiding the classic margin balloon settings in the Advanced Track Changes menu.
Will disabling modern comments delete my existing comments?
No. Disabling modern comments only reverts the visual interface back to the classic layout. None of your actual comments, text, or tracked changes will be deleted, altered, or lost during this process.
How do I print a document with the comments showing in the margins?
To print your document along with its markup, press Ctrl + P to open the Print menu. Under the Settings section, click on the first drop-down menu (which usually says 'Print All Pages') and ensure the 'Print Markup' option is checked at the bottom of the list.
