How to Use the Reviewing Pane with Modern Word Comments
Question details
The user wants to know how to reposition or close the Reviewing Pane while using modern comments in Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing or reviewing a document and needing to adjust the layout of the reviewing pane for better visibility of modern comments.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs the specific steps to move the Reviewing Pane horizontally or vertically, or close it entirely.
Ensure you have your document opened in Microsoft Word and that the ribbon menu is expanded so you can clearly see the Review tab.
Reposition or Close the Reviewing Pane via the Review Tab
Use the built-in ribbon options to change the pane's location on your screen or dismiss it completely.
Microsoft Word's Reviewing Pane can be customized to fit your workspace preferences. Depending on your screen size, you might prefer it docked to the left or situated at the bottom of the document.
Look at the top ribbon in Microsoft Word and click on the 'Review' tab to access your tracking and commenting tools.
Click the small arrow next to the 'Reviewing Pane' button in the Tracking group. Choose 'Horizontal' to place the pane below your document, or select 'Vertical' to place it on the left side.
When you are finished reviewing your document, you can close the pane by simply clicking the 'X' in its upper-right corner.
Experience a Clutter-Free Reviewing Process with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word's Modern Comments layout is causing frustration, try WPS Office. It offers a highly compatible, lightweight, and intuitive Word alternative with a straightforward reviewing and commenting system that is easy to navigate.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free office suite on your device.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file containing the comments and tracked changes.
- 3. Manage Comments Effortlessly: Navigate to the 'Review' tab to view, add, or resolve comments using a clean and classic layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the Reviewing Pane button in Word?
The Reviewing Pane button is located under the 'Review' tab in the 'Tracking' group. If it's missing, ensure you haven't customized your ribbon to hide this group, or try maximizing your Word window to reveal hidden buttons.
Can I revert to classic comments instead of Modern Comments?
Yes, in many versions of Word, you can disable Modern Comments by going to File > Options > General, and unchecking the 'Enable modern comments' box. You will need to restart Word for the changes to take effect.
Does the Reviewing Pane show deleted text?
Yes, when Track Changes is enabled, the Reviewing Pane displays all revisions, including insertions, deletions, and formatting changes, making it much easier to review complex edits across the entire document.
