How to Track Changes in Google Docs

I personally think that Google Docs is too underrated. Almost everyone in the world thinks of Google Docs as an alternative to Microsoft Word. But what they don’t know is how powerful it is as a collaborative editing tool for teams. Don’t you think? Well, just take a look at the Google Docs editing feature. It allows users with a shared document to suggest edits that anyone with editing permissions can either approve or reject. It also allows making comments in the margins.

This article focuses on the Google docs track changes feature called the suggesting feature. Well, it is similar to Microsoft Word’s Track Changes. However, in real-time, it works for a more seamless process of collaboration. But do you know how to track changes in Google Docs? Well, if not, then don’t worry! Here’s the need-to-know info on Track changes in Google Docs.

How to Track Changes in Google Docs?

Well, some of you might be wondering, what is the use of Track Changes? Let me make it clear for you. The first use is that you can edit your own work without committing changes in situations where you or someone else wants to review them. The second use is that you can create a document, share it with others, and they will suggest changes to the document, which anyone, including yourself, can accept, reject or further change.

Anyways, let’s head back to how to track changes in Google Docs. So, first, you need a Google account with access to Google docs. If you have it, then follow the following steps to track changes in Google Docs:

Step 1: First of all, open Google Docs

Step 2: Now, find a document that you want to edit

Step 3: The next step is to click on the Pencil icon. You will see it on the top menu bar to the far right.

Step 4: A drop-down menu will appear. There you have to select the Suggesting option.

Step 5: The pencil icon will change to green color once you are in Suggesting mode

 

Now, the process is complete. All changes which you will make will be tracked and saved. The edited text will appear in green in Google docs, and all the suggestions will appear in the margins listing. You can either accept or reject the suggestions made. But how? Let’s have a look.

Reviewing Changes

Reviewing includes accepting and rejecting suggestions. To accept the changes, you have to click the checkmark. Once you accept the changes, they will become part of your document. To reject the changes, you have to click on the X button, and the suggestion will automatically remove.

Tracking Changes on your Mobile Device

Fortunately, tracking changes is also available in the mobile version of Google Docs. Moreover, the process is also the same. However, there will be no pencil icon. Suppose you open a document in Google docs. There you will find More icon. Click on it. Now, turn on Suggest changes. Now, you are all set to track changes, accept, reject and comment on these changes on your mobile device. It’s easy, right?

Oopsie!! How can I forget about making comments on suggestions made on Google Docs? Of course, commenting is very important while tracking changes. You can provide your feedback or ask any questions related to a suggestion made. But how exactly to write and edit a comment on Google Docs?

How to Write and Edit a Comment on Google Docs?

If you have to make a comment on the suggestion, you can simply hit the suggestion box. And then, you have to click the text field and write a response and then click the Reply button. However, if you want to create a comment on a specific text on Google Docs, then follow the following steps:

• First of all, you have to highlight the text on which you want to comment
• Then an icon will appear like a text bubble in the right. You to click it to leave the comment.
• Once the comment is made, the selected text will appear in yellow.

 

Alternatively:

• You can use the shortcut Command+Option+M. Or you can also just right-click in the text and then choose the comment from the menu.
• Now, write the comment and press the blue Comment button.
• To edit the comment, on the top right, you will find three vertical dots. Click on it. You will reach to More options menu, from where you can delete and edit your comment.

So, this is how you can track changes in Google docs. We hope that you find it easy and you were able to track changes in Google docs. However, if you still have any doubts or queries, you can use the comment box below. Also, don’t forget to give us your valuable feedback. If you are wondering how to fix Google keep crashing, click here to know the fixing procedure.