How to Use Track Changes in Word | Accept, Reject + Review Edits
Track Changes is a feature in Microsoft Word that records edits made to a document. Instead of permanently altering the text, Word keeps a visible record of insertions, deletions, and formatting changes so that you can review edits in Word before deciding whether to accept or reject them.
This feature is especially useful when collaborating with others, because it allows everyone reviewing the document to see exactly what changes have been proposed before those changes are finalized.
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What Track Changes Does
When Track Changes is enabled, Word records all modifications made inside the document. This includes typing new text, deleting existing text, moving text, or applying different formatting.
Instead of immediately replacing the original content, Word marks the revisions so they can be reviewed later.
How to Turn On Track Changes
To enable Track Changes, go to the Review tab in the Word ribbon. In the Tracking group, click Track Changes.
From that moment forward, Word will record all changes made to the document.
How Revisions Appear in the Document
When Track Changes is active, Word visually marks edits so they are easy to identify.
Inserted text typically appears underlined, while deleted text may appear with a line through it. Word may also display information about who made each change if multiple users are editing the document.
Viewing the Document Without Markup
Working in Track Changes mode can make the document appear cluttered because every revision is visible.
If you want to view the document more clearly while continuing to record changes, you can change the display setting from All Markup to No Markup. This shows the document as it currently reads while still preserving the revision history.
How to Review Changes
After editing is complete, you can review each revision individually.
On the Review tab, use the Next command in the Changes group to move through each modification in the document.
Accepting or Rejecting Changes
When reviewing revisions, you can decide whether to keep or discard each change.
Select Accept to apply the change permanently, or choose Reject to restore the original text. Word will then move to the next revision so you can continue reviewing the document.
Key Takeaway
Track Changes allows you to edit a document while preserving a visible record of revisions. This makes it easier to collaborate with others, review edits carefully, and finalize a document once all changes have been considered.