Inserting a comment in Word 2010 is as simple as highlighting the text you want to comment on, going to the Review tab, and clicking on ‘New Comment.’ This will open up a margin area where you can type your comment. Once you’re done, you can click outside the comment box to save it.
After you complete the action, the comment will appear in the margin of the document, and the text that the comment is addressing will be highlighted. Other readers or reviewers can see your comment and respond to it, making it a useful tool for collaboration and feedback.
Introduction
Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to give feedback on a document, or perhaps you needed to remember why you wrote something a certain way? Inserting comments in Word 2010 can be an incredibly useful tool for these scenarios and many others. Comments allow you to leave little notes for yourself or others within a document without altering the actual text. Whether you’re a student peer reviewing a classmate’s paper, a professional collaborating with a team on a report, or an author keeping track of your thoughts while writing a novel, knowing how to insert comments in Word can boost productivity and communication. Since Word 2010 is still widely used, mastering this feature is relevant for many, despite newer versions being available.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Insert Comment in Word 2010
The following steps will guide you through the process of inserting comments in your Word 2010 document.
Step 1: Select the Text
Select the text that you want to comment on.
Selecting the text ensures that you are commenting on the specific part of the document you want to discuss or remember. This could be a single word, sentence, or entire paragraph.
Step 2: Go to the Review Tab
Navigate to the Review tab on the ribbon.
The Review tab is where all the tools for proofing and commenting are located. You’ll find options like ‘Spelling & Grammar’ and ‘Word Count’ here as well, but for now, we’re focusing on the ‘Comments’ section.
Step 3: Click on ‘New Comment’
Click on the ‘New Comment’ button.
After clicking, a comment box will appear in the margin of the document. This is where you will type your comment.
Step 4: Type Your Comment
Type your comment in the comment box that appears.
Feel free to write whatever you’d like here—questions, suggestions, reminders. The space is yours to fill with whatever feedback or notes you need.
Step 5: Click Outside the Comment Box
Click outside the comment box to save the comment.
Once you’ve clicked outside of it, your comment will be anchored to the selected text, and it’ll be ready for others to view and respond to if you’re sharing the document.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | Comments can significantly enhance collaboration by allowing multiple people to leave feedback on a document without altering the original text. This can help with clarity and keeping track of changes or suggestions. |
| Organization | Comments can act as reminders or notes, helping to keep your thoughts organized. This is particularly useful during the editing process or when working on a large document over a period of time. |
| Versatility | Comments are not just for text. They can be inserted for images, charts, and other elements in a Word document, making them versatile tools for comprehensive feedback and notes. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Clutter | Having too many comments can make a document appear cluttered, which can be overwhelming and make it harder to read the main content. It’s important to use comments judiciously. |
| Overlooking | It’s possible for comments to be overlooked, especially if the document is long or if there’s an abundance of comments. Users should ensure important feedback is also communicated outside of the document. |
| Compatibility | Comments may not always display correctly if the document is opened in a different version of Word or another word processor, which can lead to miscommunication or loss of data. |
Additional Information
When inserting comments in Word 2010, there are a few additional tips you might find handy. For starters, you can easily navigate through comments using the ‘Previous’ and ‘Next’ buttons in the ‘Comments’ section of the Review tab. This feature is especially useful when working with documents that have a lot of comments. You can also reply to comments by right-clicking on the comment and selecting ‘Reply to Comment’, which is great for having threaded discussions within the document.
Another useful feature is the ability to delete comments. This can be done by right-clicking on a comment and selecting ‘Delete Comment.’ If you need to delete all comments in a document, you can click on the dropdown arrow under ‘Delete’ in the ‘Comments’ section and select ‘Delete All Comments in Document.’
Remember, comments are meant to improve the document and the writing process, so use them as a way to enhance understanding and communication, not as a replacement for it.
Summary
- Select the text you want to comment on.
- Navigate to the Review tab on the ribbon.
- Click on the ‘New Comment’ button.
- Type your comment in the comment box that appears.
- Click outside the comment box to save the comment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit a comment after I’ve saved it?
Yes, you can edit a comment by simply clicking on the comment text and making your changes.
Is it possible to change the color of the comment box?
Yes, you can change the comment box color by right-clicking on the comment, selecting ‘Show Comment’, then going to ‘Comment Format’ and choosing a new color.
How can I hide comments in Word 2010?
To hide comments, go to the Review tab and click on ‘Show Markup.’ Uncheck ‘Comments,’ and the comments will be hidden.
Can I print a Word document without the comments?
Yes, you can. When you go to print your document, select ‘Print All Pages’ and under ‘Settings’ choose ‘Print Markup’ to deselect it. This will print the document without comments.
How can I protect my document from unwanted comments?
You can protect your document by going to the Review tab, clicking on ‘Protect Document,’ and selecting ‘Restrict Editing.’ This will allow you to set permissions for who can make changes or comments.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of inserting comments in Word 2010 can considerably elevate your document-editing experience. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that facilitates better communication and organization when working on a document, be it solo or collaboratively. By following the step-by-step tutorial on how to insert comment in Word 2010, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of this feature. Remember, comments can be as much about sparking dialogue as they are about leaving notes, so think of them as a conversation starter, not just a sticky note on your screen. As you continue to harness the power of Word 2010’s commenting feature, you’ll find that your documents become clearer, more precise, and ultimately, more effective at conveying your message.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.