How do you track changes in documents with multiple authors?

1 Track changes in Word

One of the most popular tools for document preparation and formatting is Microsoft Word. Word has a built-in feature called Track Changes that allows you to see who made what changes, when, and why. You can also accept or reject changes, add comments, and compare different versions of the document. To turn on Track Changes, go to the Review tab and click on the Track Changes button. You can also customize how the changes are displayed, such as by color, markup, or reviewer. To review the changes, you can use the Next and Previous buttons, or the Reviewing Pane. You can also protect the document from unauthorized changes by setting a password or restricting editing.

2 Track changes in Google Docs

Another common tool for document collaboration is Google Docs. Google Docs has a feature called Suggesting mode that allows you to propose changes to a document without altering the original text. You can also comment on the suggestions, accept or reject them, and see the history of the document. To turn on Suggesting mode, go to the top right corner of the document and click on the Editing button. Then, select Suggesting from the drop-down menu. You can also see who made the suggestions, and when, by hovering over the suggested text. To review the suggestions, you can use the Accept and Reject buttons, or the Comments sidebar. You can also share the document with other authors and control their access levels.

6 Track changes best practices

Now that you know how to track changes in different types of documents, here are some best practices that you should follow to make your work easier and more efficient. First, always save a backup copy of your document before making any changes, or use a version control system such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Second, always communicate with your co-authors and agree on the rules and guidelines for tracking changes, such as the format, the deadline, and the feedback. Third, always review the changes carefully and check for accuracy, consistency, and clarity. Fourth, always use clear and constructive comments and suggestions, and avoid personal or negative remarks. Fifth, always finalize your document by accepting or rejecting all the changes, removing any comments, and saving the document as a new file.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?