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How to Review a Document Using Comments in Word

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Select the text you want to comment on

    Drag to select the sentence or paragraph you want to leave feedback on.

  2. Click "Review > New Comment"

    On the Review tab, click "New Comment."

  3. Write your feedback

    Type your suggestion or question into the comment box that appears on the right.

  4. Mark a comment resolved

    Once the feedback has been addressed, click "Resolve" on the comment to close it out.

  5. Why it matters

    Without touching the original text, a colleague or reviewer can leave feedback or a change request on a specific spot, which makes document review far more organized.

Reviewing a colleague's document

Instead of editing the original wording directly, you can attach feedback to the exact spot it applies to, which gets your point across without disturbing the author's original phrasing.

Comments versus Track Changes

A comment is a note attached beside the text β€” it does not change the text itself. Track Changes, on the other hand, actually edits the text and records what changed. A good rule of thumb: use Track Changes for a direct fix like a typo, and a comment for a question or suggestion that needs the author's judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reply to a comment?

Yes β€” add a reply underneath an existing comment to keep a back-and-forth discussion going, just like a conversation.

Are resolved comments deleted completely?

No β€” a resolved comment is only shown grayed out, not deleted, and can be reopened later if needed.