Word for Microsoft 365 Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac Word for the web Word Web App More...Less
Upon opening an existing document in Word for Windows or Mac there are three modes that may be available to you: Viewing, Reviewing and Editing.The Viewing mode is always available to anyone accessing a document. Permissions are needed for the other modes. The mode-switcher menu enables you to change modes accordingly.
About the modes
| Viewing | In this read-only mode no revisions are allowed. This ensures that you won’t inadvertently type on the canvas while reading. |
| Reviewing | This mode enables you to add comments and suggest revisions. It automatically turns on Track Changes Just Mine. |
| Editing | Available if you’ve been granted permissions, this mode provides full editorial access to make and save changes in the document. |
Switching modes
Once in a document, you can see the currently selected mode and change mode via the document mode-switcher menu.Select a mode as follows:
-
In theopened Word document, findthe mode-selection button in the ribbon,located top-right, by the Share button. The mode-selection button name will reflect the currentmode (including any mode change you might subsequently make).
-
Note the available modes. If you have edit permissions for this document, all modes willbe available to you.
-
As allowed, select Editing, Reviewing or Viewing to change your working mode.
-
Confirm your selection in the revised name of the menu button in the ribbon.
See also
Learn more here:Review mode in Word
Need more help?
Want more options?
Discover Community
Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.
Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.
