Google Docs is a powerful tool for collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit a document simultaneously. One of its most useful features is the "suggesting mode," which lets users make suggestions for edits without actually changing the text. This mode is perfect for peer reviews, collaborative writing, or any situation where you want input without immediate changes. Let’s dive into how you can enter this mode in just a few clicks.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Enter Google Docs Suggesting Mode
Entering the suggesting mode in Google Docs is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc you want to edit.
When you’ve opened your document, you’ll see the toolbar at the top of the page. This is where you’ll find everything you need to enter suggesting mode.
Step 2: Find the Pencil Icon
Look for the pencil icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
This icon may show different labels like ‘Editing’, ‘Suggesting’, or ‘Viewing’, depending on the current mode you are in.
Step 3: Click on the Pencil Icon
Click on the pencil icon to reveal a dropdown menu.
The dropdown menu will give you three options: ‘Editing’, ‘Suggesting’, and ‘Viewing’.
Step 4: Select ‘Suggesting’
Choose ‘Suggesting’ from the dropdown menu.
Once you’ve selected ‘Suggesting’, the mode is activated immediately, and any changes you make will appear as suggestions.
After completing these steps, you’ll be in suggesting mode. Any changes you make to the document will now show up as suggestions with a comment box on the right side of the page, allowing others to review and respond to your edits.
Tips for Using Google Docs Suggesting Mode
- Always communicate with your team about when to use suggesting mode to avoid confusion.
- Use suggesting mode for larger edits to make it easier for others to review your suggestions.
- Take advantage of the comment boxes that accompany suggestions to explain your rationale for the changes.
- Remember that you can accept or reject suggestions individually or all at once.
- Utilize keyboard shortcuts like ‘Cmd + Alt + M’ (on Mac) or ‘Ctrl + Alt + M’ (on Windows) to quickly add a comment to a suggestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between ‘Suggesting’ and ‘Editing’ modes?
In ‘Editing’ mode, changes are made directly to the document. In ‘Suggesting’ mode, changes appear as suggestions that can be reviewed and either accepted or rejected.
Can I track who made which suggestions?
Yes, Google Docs tracks changes by different users, and each suggestion includes the name of the person who made it.
Is suggesting mode available in Google Sheets or Google Slides?
Suggesting mode is unique to Google Docs. However, Google Sheets and Slides have their own version of collaborative editing features.
What happens if I make a suggestion and then switch back to ‘Editing’ mode?
Your suggestion will still be there, and you can switch back to ‘Suggesting’ mode to see it.
Can I make suggestions on a mobile device?
Yes, the Google Docs app on mobile devices also supports suggesting mode.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Find the pencil icon.
- Click on the pencil icon.
- Select ‘Suggesting’.
Conclusion
Collaboration is key in today’s digital world, and Google Docs has made it easier than ever with features like suggesting mode. Whether you’re working on a group project, passing a document back and forth with a colleague, or sharing your writing with a friend for feedback, suggesting mode is an invaluable tool. Just a few clicks, and you’re on your way to a more collaborative and constructive editing process. Remember, the key to successful collaboration is clear communication, and suggesting mode facilitates just that by keeping potential changes transparent and open for discussion. So the next time you’re working in Google Docs, give suggesting mode a try — your teammates will thank you for it!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.