How to Use the Comments Feature in Microsoft Word

This article explains how to add, hide, delete, and print comments on documents in Microsoft Word. Instructions cover Word 2019 through 2007, Word Online, and Word for Microsoft 365.

How to Enter a New Microsoft Word Comment

The ability to add comments to Microsoft Word documents is one of the program’s most useful features. In multi-user environments, it provides an easy and effective way to collaborate and comment on document drafts. But, even single users find the feature handy for adding notes and reminders.

To add a comment to a Word document:

1. Highlight the text you want to comment on.

2. On the ribbon, go to the Review tab and select New Comment.

3. Type your comment in the field that appears in the right margin. It contains your name and a timestamp that's visible to others.

4. To edit your comment, click the comment box and make the change.

5. Click anywhere in the document to continue working.

How to Delete, Hide, Reply, and Print Comments

Once you start a comment thread inside a Word document, you can choose to delete, hide, print, or reply to it.

Delete a Comment

To delete a comment, right-click on the comment and select Delete Comment. Or select the comment and, in the Review pane, select Delete Comment.

Hide All Comments

To hide a document's comments, go to the Review tab, select the Show Markup drop-down arrow, and uncheck Comments.

Reply to Comments

To reply to a comment, select the Reply icon underneath the comment or right-click the comment and choose Reply to Comment.

Print the Document Without Comments

To print the document without comments, go to the Review tab and select No Markup. Then, print the document as normal.