How to Add Notes on the Side of a Word Document: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding notes on the side of a Word document is a fantastic way to keep track of edits, make comments, or leave reminders. In just a few steps, you can easily insert comments that appear in the margin, making your document organized and easy to navigate. This guide will walk you through the process so you can start using this handy feature right away.

How to Add Notes on the Side of a Word Document

These steps will show you exactly how to add notes, or comments, on the side of a Word document. This will help you make your documents more interactive and easier to review.

Step 1: Open Your Word Document

First, open the Word document where you want to add notes. This is the starting point for adding any kind of annotation or comment.

You can open a document by double-clicking it from your file explorer, or you can start a new document from within Word.

Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Comment On

Click and drag to highlight the text that you want to add a note to. This tells Word exactly where you want your note to appear.

If you don’t select any text, Word will place the comment at the location of your cursor.

Step 3: Go to the "Review" Tab

Click on the "Review" tab at the top of the Word window. This tab contains all the tools you need for adding and managing comments.

The "Review" tab is usually located between the "References" and "View" tabs.

Step 4: Click "New Comment"

In the "Review" tab, click on the "New Comment" button. This will open a comment box on the side of your document.

The comment box will appear in the margin, allowing you to type your note or comment easily.

Step 5: Type Your Note

Go ahead and type your note into the comment box. This is where you can jot down your thoughts, suggestions, or reminders.

Once you’ve added your note, it will stay linked to the selected text, making it simple for anyone reading the document to see your comments.

After completing these steps, your Word document will have notes on the side, making it easier for others to see your feedback or for you to remember important points.

Tips for Adding Notes on the Side of a Word Document

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I edit a comment after I’ve added it?

Just click on the comment you want to edit. The comment box will open, and you can make your changes.

Can I hide comments?

Yes, you can. Go to the “Review” tab, and in the “Tracking” group, click on “Show Markup.” Uncheck “Comments” to hide them.

How do I print a document with comments?

When you print, go to the print settings and select “Print Markup.” This will include all comments in the printed document.

Can I add comments in Word Online?

Yes, you can add comments in Word Online. The steps are similar: highlight text, go to the “Review” tab, and click “New Comment.”

How do I resolve a comment?

Click the comment, then click “Resolve” in the comment box. This will mark the comment as resolved but won’t delete it.

Summary

  1. Open your Word document.
  2. Select the text you want to comment on.
  3. Go to the “Review” tab.
  4. Click “New Comment.”
  5. Type your note.

Conclusion

Adding notes on the side of a Word document is a feature that can save you time and keep your work organized. Whether you’re collaborating with others or just keeping track of your own thoughts, these comments make it easy to communicate and remember important information. By following these simple steps, you can quickly add and manage notes in any Word document.

Explore additional features like changing comment colors or using keyboard shortcuts to make the process even more efficient. And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use this feature, the more natural it will become. So, dive into your Word document, add those notes, and make your work clearer and more organized!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.

He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.