Are you tired of those distracting comment borders cluttering your Word documents? Want a clean, professional look without the visual noise? This concise guide provides the exact steps to effortlessly remove comment borders in Microsoft Word, regardless of your version. Let's get rid of those boxes and reclaim your document's aesthetic!
Understanding Word Comment Borders
Before we dive into the removal process, it's helpful to understand why those borders exist. Comment borders are designed to visually separate comments from the main text, making them easier to identify and manage. However, sometimes a cleaner, less cluttered look is preferred, especially for final drafts or presentations.
Removing Comment Borders in Word: Step-by-Step Guide
This method works for most versions of Microsoft Word, including Word 2016, Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365.
Step 1: Accessing Word Options
- Open the Word document containing the comments you wish to modify.
- Click on the File tab located in the upper-left corner of the Word window.
- Select Options from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Navigating to Proofing Options
- In the Word Options dialog box, navigate to the Proofing tab in the left-hand menu.
- Locate the "When correcting spelling and grammar in Word" section.
Step 3: Removing the Border
- Uncheck the box next to "Show comment and revision marks during printing." This option controls the visibility of comment borders, not just during printing, but also within the document itself.
- Click OK to save the changes.
Step 4: Verify the Changes
Now, take a look at your document. The comment borders should have disappeared! If they remain, double-check that you unchecked the correct box in Step 3. Sometimes, a document refresh or reopening might be needed for changes to take full effect.
Beyond Borders: Additional Comment Management Tips
While removing borders cleans up the visual appearance, consider these extra tips for managing comments effectively:
- Accepting/Rejecting Comments: Use the built-in functions to accept or reject comments completely. This removes the comments and their accompanying borders.
- Deleting Comments: You can delete individual comments directly if you don't need them anymore. Right-click on a comment to reveal the delete option.
- Color-Coding Comments: Assign different colors to comments from various reviewers or for different types of feedback. This can improve organization without relying solely on borders.
Conclusion: A Clean and Professional Document
Removing comment borders in Word is a simple process that can dramatically improve the appearance of your documents. By following these easy steps, you can achieve a clean, professional look and feel, making your documents more engaging and easier to read. Now go forth and create beautifully formatted documents!
