How to Accept or Reject Tracked Changes to a Document in Word 2003

Tracked changes in Word 2003 are like a professor's handwritten comments on a term paper. You can use it to electronically review and edit any Word document. Here's how to accept or reject the changes.

Things You'll Need

• Word 2003
• Computer

Instructions

1. Send your document to an editor.

2. Before making any changes to the document, the editor must click "Tools" and then "Track Changes." A new toolbar appears, and changes to the document are thenceforth marked. Deletions, insertions and other editing changes will appear in a second color, underlined or with a comment.

3. When the editor finishes, he or she must save the document and send it back to you.

4. Review the changes. To accept a change, right-click on a tracked change and select "Accept." This removes the tracking mark and the text now appears pristine. To dismiss a change, right-click on a tracked change and select "Reject." This removes the tracking mark and returns the text to its original state. For example, an insertion will vanish and a deletion will reappear.

5. The editor may have inserted comments as well. Click the "New Comment" button from the reviewing toolbar to respond to them.

Tips & Warnings

• Open the reviewing pane to follow the tracked changes.

• Click the "Show" menu to regulate which changes will appear.

• Always save backup files, just in case.