Why Is the Show Document Panel Missing in Word 2019?
Question details
The user is trying to find the Show Document Panel option under Properties in Word 2019 but it is no longer available.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to view or edit document metadata using the Document Information Panel.
- Observed behavior
- The Show Document Panel command is completely missing from the Properties menu in Word 2019.
Ensure your document is not locked or set to read-only, as you will need edit permissions to modify document properties through the alternative Info menu.
Access Document Properties via the File Info Menu
Since the Document Information Panel was deprecated, you can use the built-in Advanced Properties dialog to view and edit metadata.
Microsoft deprecated the Document Information Panel (DIP) starting in Office 2016. Because of this, the 'Show Document Panel' option is permanently removed in Word 2019 and newer versions. However, you can still access and modify all your standard and custom document metadata through the File tab.
Open your document in Word 2019 and click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon.
Select 'Info' from the left-hand sidebar. On the right side of the screen, you will see a basic list of document properties such as Size, Pages, Words, Title, and Tags.
Click the 'Properties' dropdown menu at the top of the properties column, then select 'Advanced Properties'. A dialog box will appear allowing you to edit Summary metadata and add Custom properties.
Manage Document Properties Easily with WPS Office
Frustrated by deprecated features and changing menus in Microsoft Word? Try WPS Office. It provides a familiar, consistent interface with seamless compatibility for Word formats, allowing you to easily view and edit document properties without digging through complex settings.
- 1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to inspect.
- 2. Access the Main Menu: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner of the application.
- 3. View Document Properties: Select 'Document Properties' from the dropdown list to immediately view and edit the file's metadata and custom information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Document Information Panel back in Word 2019?
No, Microsoft permanently removed the Document Information Panel feature starting with Office 2016. It cannot be enabled or restored in Word 2019. You must use the Advanced Properties dialog instead.
How do I edit custom properties in Word 2019?
Go to File > Info, click the Properties dropdown on the right side, and select Advanced Properties. In the dialog box that appears, navigate to the Custom tab to add, modify, or delete custom metadata fields.
How do I view SharePoint metadata in Word 2019?
If your document is saved to a SharePoint library, you can view its specific metadata by going to File > Info and using the SharePoint properties pane, which replaces the legacy Document Information Panel.
