“Do you read the text? Comments or suggestions are welcome!” Do you sometimes get asked that question? Then know that Microsoft Word has a very handy editing function, which is especially intended for these kinds of situations. Even if you sometimes receive a Word document with 'crazy lines' or speech bubbles, after this article you will know how to make comments and how you can improve in Word.
Tip 01: Make changes
To edit texts in Word in a professional way, you have the tab Check required. Want to make it a little easier on yourself? First select the language in which the text is written via Language. That way you can remove any spelling mistakes from your text. Then choose Track changes and switch by clicking again Track changes into the function. Now if you edit a word or phrase from the text, it will automatically appear in a different color. In the left margin you see a line at the height of every sentence where you adjust something. If you click on that line, you will see the changes to the right of your document. To see all the details of the document, click Check / Keep up / Revision window. You will then see a pane in the left margin with all changes and comments. Via the options below Markersto display check which things you do and do not want to mark. For example, it can sometimes be very annoying – but sometimes also much needed – if you also see all formatting changes in the margin.
Tip 02: Notes
Do you want to enter into a dialogue with the author or do you have questions about a piece of text? Then leave a comment in the document. That way you can suggest an alternative word or indicate that a certain sentence might be better removed. To post a comment, first select a sentence, word, or entire paragraph. Then click on the tab Check Bee Remarks on New onesremark. You will get a text box in the right column where you can type a message. It is even possible to put certain words in italics or bold.
Tip 03: Read and save
Are you completely through the text? If you have made many changes with the tracking function on, the document may look cluttered. Through Check / Keep up can you switch from All markings (where you see all explanations of the changes) to one of the other options. Of Simple marking you only see the stripes next to the text where something has been changed. Of Nomarkings you see the fully modified text and with Original hide all changes. For an extra check, set this mode to No Marks and go through the text one last time. Then choose File / Save as and rename your document. For example the original file name followed by your initials or 'version 2'.
Tip 04: View customization
Do you get a document that someone else has been rummaging through (with or without your question beforehand)? Then open the tab Check and look in the section Amendments. With the buttons Accept or Ignore implement the changes made by someone else. With the two small buttons with a sheet of paper and blue arrow (Previous and Next one) you can navigate very quickly from one change to another. If necessary, use the Revision window to maintain an overview. Do you like everything? Then you choose Accept / Allaccept changes.
Tip 05: Notes
Are there any comments in your document? Go through them. You can delete a comment that you no longer need to do anything with via Check / Remarks / remove. If you want to discuss with the person who made the comment, click on the comment, choose To answer and type your answer. Are you happy with the edited text? Then make sure that you reject or delete all comments and changes that you do not want to make. This is otherwise very unprofessional. Then click File / Save as and give your document its final name.
