How to Not Print Comments in Word
If you’ve ever tried to print a document from Microsoft Word and ended up with a paper cluttered with comments and edits, you know how frustrating it can be. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to print your document without including those pesky comments. Here’s a quick rundown: you’ll need to go to the ‘File’ tab, select ‘Print,’ then navigate to ‘Print All Pages,’ and make sure to choose ‘Print Markup’ to uncheck it. This simple tweak will ensure your document prints clean, minus any comments.
How to Not Print Comments in Word
Follow these steps to print your document without comments. You’ll soon have a clean copy, free of any editorial distractions.
Step 1: Open the Document
Open the Word document from which you want to remove comments when printing.
Ensure the document is saved so you don’t lose any unsaved changes before proceeding to print settings.
Step 2: Go to the File Tab
Click on the ‘File’ tab located at the top left of the screen.
This will take you to the backstage view, where you can access various file-related options.
Step 3: Select Print
Once you’re in the File tab, click on ‘Print.’
This action leads you to the printing options, where you can adjust settings before printing.
Step 4: Access Print Settings
Under the ‘Print’ menu, find ‘Print All Pages’ and click on it.
This will allow you to adjust exactly what gets printed from your document.
Step 5: Uncheck Print Markup
In the drop-down menu, look for ‘Print Markup’ and click on it to uncheck it.
Unchecking ‘Print Markup’ ensures that comments and other annotations aren’t included in the printed document.
After completing these steps, your document will print without any comments or edits visible on the pages.
Tips for How to Not Print Comments in Word
- Always double-check that ‘Print Markup’ is unchecked before printing.
- Use Print Preview to make sure comments are not visible before hitting the print button.
- If you frequently print documents without comments, consider setting up a shortcut.
- Familiarize yourself with Word’s review tools to manage comments better.
- Save a copy of your document without comments if you frequently need a clean version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find ‘Print Markup’?
Ensure that you’re in the Print menu under the File tab. If ‘Print Markup’ is missing, check if the document has any comments or tracked changes.
Will this remove comments from my document?
No, unchecking ‘Print Markup’ only affects printing. Your comments remain in the digital document.
What if I need a version with and without comments?
You can save two separate versions of the document: one with comments and one without, by using ‘Save As.’
How can I make sure I never print comments by accident?
Always review your print settings before printing, or set up a default print setting with ‘Print Markup’ unchecked.
Do these steps work for older versions of Word?
Yes, these steps are generally applicable to versions of Word from 2010 onwards.
Summary
- Open the Document.
- Go to the File Tab.
- Select Print.
- Access Print Settings.
- Uncheck Print Markup.
Conclusion
Mastering how to not print comments in Word is an essential skill for maintaining professionalism and clarity in your documents. Whether you’re preparing a report for work, a school paper, or a presentation, ensuring that comments don’t appear on the printed page can save you from unnecessary embarrassment or confusion. It’s a straightforward process, but one that can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived.
Remember, technology is here to make life easier, not more complicated. By familiarizing yourself with the print settings in Word, you’ll not only ensure a comment-free printout but also gain better control over your document’s presentation. If you find yourself constantly needing to print without comments, consider creating a guide or shortcut for yourself—it’ll save time in the long run.
And finally, if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to use Word’s built-in help function or consult online resources for further guidance. By staying curious and proactive, you can turn Word into a powerful ally in your document creation endeavors.
Matthew Young has been writing tutorials about Microsoft Word and other Office applications for many years. His writing can be found on dozens of websites.