Printing only the comments in Microsoft Word can seem tricky at first, but it’s actually quite simple! With just a few clicks, you can have all the comments from your document printed out, separate from the main text. This can be really helpful if you’re reviewing feedback or want to go over notes without the distraction of the full document.
Step by Step Tutorial on Printing Only Comments in Microsoft Word
Before we dive into the steps, know that what we’re about to do is to isolate and print only the comments from your Word document. This is really useful for editing or when you need to share feedback with others.
Step 1: Open the Word Document
Open the document that contains the comments you want to print.
When you open your document, make sure that all the comments are visible. If they’re not, click on the ‘Review’ tab and then on ‘Show Comments’.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Review’ Tab
Click on the ‘Review’ tab in the Word ribbon.
The ‘Review’ tab is where all the tools for tracking changes and comments are found. It’s your control center for anything related to editing and feedback.
Step 3: Select ‘Print Layout’
Ensure the document is in ‘Print Layout’ view.
You can find the ‘Print Layout’ view option in the ‘View’ tab. This step makes sure that your document is in the right format to print comments.
Step 4: Click on ‘Show Markup’
In the ‘Tracking’ group, click on ‘Show Markup’.
‘Show Markup’ has different options, but we’re only interested in the comments, so make sure that only the ‘Comments’ option is ticked.
Step 5: Go to ‘File’ and Select ‘Print’
Navigate to the ‘File’ tab and select the ‘Print’ option.
Here you’ll see a preview of your document. But we’re not printing the whole document, remember? We’re only interested in the comments.
Step 6: Click on ‘Print All Pages’
Under ‘Settings’, click on the drop-down menu that says ‘Print All Pages’.
This drop-down menu gives you different printing options. But the magic happens in the next step.
Step 7: Select ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’
Choose the ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’ option from the menu.
This option allows you to print the comments without the main text of the document. It’s exactly what we need.
After you complete these steps, your printer will start printing all the comments from your document. This means you’ll have a physical copy of all the feedback, notes, and anything else that was commented on, separate from the main content of the document. It’s like having a conversation printed out on paper!
Tips on Printing Only Comments in Microsoft Word
- Make sure you have the ‘Track Changes’ feature turned on to see all the comments.
- Use the ‘Reviewing Pane’ to get an overview of all the comments before printing.
- If you have a lot of comments, consider printing them in batches to avoid overwhelming yourself.
- Customize the way comments are printed by changing the ‘Options’ in the ‘Track Changes’ settings.
- Remember to save your document before and after printing comments, just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I print comments from a specific reviewer?
In the ‘Show Markup’ menu, under the ‘Review’ tab, you can filter comments by reviewer. Just select the reviewer whose comments you want to print and then follow the printing steps.
Can I print comments in the margins of the document?
Yes, you can print the document with comments in the margins by choosing ‘Print Markup’ instead of ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’.
What if my comments are not showing up in the print preview?
Make sure that the ‘Comments’ option is the only one selected under ‘Show Markup’, and that you have chosen the ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’ option in the print settings.
Can I print comments from a Word document on a Mac?
Yes, the steps are essentially the same for Word on a Mac. Navigate to the ‘Print’ option and select ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’.
Is it possible to print comments if I don’t have a physical printer?
Yes, you can ‘print’ to a PDF by choosing ‘Microsoft Print to PDF’ as your printer. This will save all the comments in a PDF file.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Click on the ‘Review’ tab.
- Ensure ‘Print Layout’ view is selected.
- Click on ‘Show Markup’ in the ‘Review’ tab.
- Navigate to ‘File’ > ‘Print’.
- Click on ‘Print All Pages’ in the print menu.
- Select ‘Print Only Comments and Ink Markup’.
Conclusion
Printing only comments in Microsoft Word is a true lifesaver when it comes to managing feedback and revisions. It allows for a focused review of the comments without the distraction of the document’s main text. Whether you’re an editor, a student, or someone who collaborates on documents regularly, this feature can streamline your editing process and help you to efficiently address feedback.
Remember, the key to success with this task is careful navigation through the ‘Review’ tab and being selective with what you choose to print. Once you’ve mastered these steps, you’ll be printing comments with ease. Moreover, it’s handy to know these tips and tricks for those moments when technology seems to be working against you. So, keep this guide bookmarked, and the next time you’re faced with a document brimming with comments, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy printing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.