Removing the author from a Word document is a simple process that allows you to make the document anonymous. This is especially useful when sharing documents for peer reviews or when you want to keep the author’s identity confidential. All it takes is a few clicks and you’re good to go.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Remove Author from Word
Before we start, it’s important to understand that this process will remove the author’s name from the document’s properties. This means that anyone who receives the document won’t be able to see who originally created it.
Step 1: Open the Word Document
Open the Word document from which you want to remove the author’s name.
When you open the document, make sure you have saved all the necessary changes as this process may require you to save the document again.
Step 2: Access the Document Properties
Click on the ‘File’ tab in the top-left corner of the Word document.
This will take you to the backstage view where you can see various options related to the document, including ‘Info’, which is where the document’s properties are located.
Step 3: Remove the Author’s Name
Under the ‘Info’ tab, you’ll see ‘Properties’ on the right-hand side. Click on ‘Properties’ and then select ‘Advanced Properties’.
A dialog box will appear with several tabs. Click on the ‘Summary’ tab, where you’ll see the author’s name. Delete the name from the ‘Author’ field and click ‘OK’.
Step 4: Save the Document
Save the document to apply the changes you’ve just made.
It’s best to use ‘Save As’ and create a new copy of the document. This way, you have a version with the author’s name and an anonymous version.
After completing these steps, the author’s name will no longer be associated with the document. When someone else opens the document, the author field will be blank, and the document will appear to be created by an anonymous source.
Tips on How to Remove Author from Word
- Always make a backup copy of your document before making changes to the properties.
- If the document has been edited by multiple authors, you may need to remove each name individually.
- Remember to check the ‘Last Modified By’ field as well and clear it if needed.
- Consider removing other personal information such as ‘Manager’ or ‘Company’ from the properties.
- Use the ‘Document Inspector’ feature to find and remove any hidden data or personal information that might be stored in the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing the author’s name affect the content of the document?
No, removing the author’s name will not affect the content of the document in any way.
Can the author’s name be restored after it’s removed?
Yes, you can manually add the author’s name back into the properties if needed.
Does removing the author’s name make the document completely anonymous?
While it does remove the author’s name, there may be other information in the document that could identify the author. It’s important to check for other identifying details.
Can this process be done on all versions of Word?
The steps may vary slightly, but the process is generally the same for most recent versions of Word.
What if the ‘Author’ field is grayed out and can’t be edited?
This could be due to restrictions set on the document. You may need to have the proper permissions to edit the document properties.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Access the document properties.
- Remove the author’s name.
- Save the document.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing the author from a Word document is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you’re looking to maintain privacy or simply preparing a document for anonymous review, knowing how to remove author details is a key skill in document management. Remember to carefully follow each step to ensure that the author’s name is completely removed, and always keep a backup of the original document in case you need to restore any information. With this guide, you’ll be able to confidently remove an author’s name and keep your documents anonymous whenever necessary.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.