If you’re editing documents with comments or track changes, learning how to use the Word Reviewing Pane is essential. This feature gives you a clear, structured view of all revisions, comments, and formatting changes in one place—making it easier to manage collaborative edits and finalize documents efficiently. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu (via Word Online or LibreOffice), the Reviewing Pane helps you stay organized and in control.
🧾 What Is the Reviewing Pane in Word?
The Reviewing Pane is a sidebar that displays:
- Tracked changes (insertions, deletions, formatting)
- Comments from collaborators
- A detailed summary of edits in the document
You can view it:
- Vertically on the left or right side of the screen
- Horizontally at the bottom of your document
🪟 How to Open the Reviewing Pane in Word on Windows
✅ Method 1: Using the Ribbon
- Open your Word document
- Go to the Review tab
- Click Reviewing Pane > Reviewing Pane Vertical or Reviewing Pane Horizontal
✅ Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Alt + R, then P
→ Opens the Reviewing Pane (toggle it open or closed)
✅ Method 3: Through Track Changes
- Make sure Track Changes is turned on
- Then click Reviewing Pane to see the list of edits
🍏 How to Use the Reviewing Pane on macOS
✅ Method 1: Use the Menu Bar
- Go to the Review tab
- Click Reviewing Pane
- Choose Vertical or Horizontal
✅ Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
- Press Command + Option + Shift + P
→ Opens or toggles the Reviewing Pane
📝 Mac shortcuts may vary slightly based on your Word version.
🐧 How to Use Reviewing Pane on Ubuntu
Ubuntu users typically access Word features via:
- LibreOffice Writer (alternative to Word)
- Microsoft Word Online (via browser)
✅ LibreOffice Writer
While it doesn’t have a “Reviewing Pane” in name, you can:
- Go to Edit > Track Changes > Manage
- View and manage all edits and comments
- Accept/reject changes or delete comments
✅ Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + E to toggle Track Changes
✅ Word Online on Ubuntu
- Open your document in Word Online
- Go to Review > Reviewing Pane
- Choose Vertical or Horizontal layout
💡 All changes are saved automatically in the cloud.
📊 Benefits of Using the Reviewing Pane
- Quickly scan all document edits
- Navigate through comments and suggestions
- Accept or reject changes without hunting in the text
- Enhance collaboration in shared documents
The Reviewing Pane helps ensure no suggestion goes unnoticed—especially in longer or complex files.
🧠 Pro Tips for Review Mode
- Enable Simple Markup to keep your view clean while editing
- Use “Next” and “Previous” to move between comments
- Set your user name in Word preferences for clearer author tagging
- Use Compare under the Review tab to see document versions side by side
🖥️ Shortcut Summary – Open Reviewing Pane
| Platform | Shortcut | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + R, then P | Review tab > Reviewing Pane |
| macOS | Cmd + Opt + Shift + P | Review tab > Reviewing Pane |
| Ubuntu | Ctrl + Shift + E (Writer) | Edit > Track Changes > Manage |
| Ubuntu | N/A in Word Online | Review > Reviewing Pane (via browser) |
❓ FAQ – Word Reviewing Pane
Can I edit inside the Reviewing Pane?
No. You can view summaries but edits must be made in the document body.
Can I customize the Reviewing Pane layout?
Yes, you can switch between vertical and horizontal layouts for better visibility.
Why don’t I see the Reviewing Pane?
Ensure you’re in the Review tab and that Track Changes is enabled.
Does the Reviewing Pane work in Print Layout?
Yes. However, it’s only visible on-screen, not in the printed document.
✅ Conclusion
The Word Reviewing Pane is your best friend when working on collaborative documents, editing research papers, or tracking formatting changes. With just a few clicks or shortcuts—on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu—you can manage revisions, comments, and suggestions like a pro. This feature saves time, enhances team feedback, and ensures every change is accounted for before finalizing your work.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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