Hiding text in Microsoft Word is a slick trick that can come in handy for various reasons. Maybe you’re drafting a surprise party invite and want to keep the details secret until the last minute, or perhaps you’re creating a document that contains sensitive information. Whatever the reason, hiding text in Word is straightforward and quick. After reading this brief overview, you should be able to hide text with ease.
Step by Step Tutorial to Hide Text in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Hiding text in Word doesn’t delete it; it simply makes it invisible until you decide to reveal it again. This can be helpful for keeping sensitive information private or for creating a cleaner-looking document.
Step 1: Select the text you want to hide
Click and drag your cursor over the text you want to hide to highlight it.
Once you’ve selected the text, it’s ready to be hidden. Make sure you’ve got only the text you want to hide highlighted, as these next steps will only apply to the text you’ve selected.
Step 2: Open the Font dialog box
Right-click on the highlighted text and select ‘Font’ from the context menu, or go to the Home tab and click on the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font group.
You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see options for font type, size, style, and color. We’re looking for the hidden text option here.
Step 3: Hide the text
In the Font dialog box, check the box next to ‘Hidden’ and then click ‘OK’.
After clicking ‘OK’, your text will magically disappear from view! Don’t worry, it’s still there, just invisible. To make sure the text is indeed hidden, you may need to deselect it by clicking anywhere else in your document.
After completing these steps, the selected text will no longer be visible in the document. However, it’s still there, lurking behind the scenes. You can reveal it again by selecting ‘Hidden’ text to show in the Word Options dialog box, or by reversing the steps you just took.
Tips for Hiding Text in Word
- Always save a backup of your document before hiding text, just in case you need to revert back to an earlier version.
- Hidden text will still appear if you print your document unless you adjust your print settings.
- To quickly reveal all hidden text in your document, press Ctrl + Shift + 8.
- If you’re sharing the document, keep in mind the recipient can easily reveal the hidden text unless the document is protected.
- Use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to search for hidden text if you’re having trouble locating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unhide text in Word?
To unhide text, select the text and follow the same steps used to hide it, but this time uncheck the ‘Hidden’ box in the Font dialog box.
Will hiding text reduce my document’s word count?
No, hiding text does not remove it from the document, so your word count will remain the same.
Can hidden text be seen by others if I share the document?
Yes, unless you protect your document, others can reveal hidden text following the same steps you used to hide it.
Is there a shortcut to hide text in Word?
There isn’t a dedicated shortcut, but you can create a macro to hide text and assign it a shortcut key.
Can I search for hidden text in Word?
Yes, you can use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature, set the formatting to ‘Hidden’ and search for any hidden text.
Summary
- Select the text you want to hide.
- Open the Font dialog box.
- Check the ‘Hidden’ box and click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Hiding text in Word is a nifty feature that can be particularly useful when working with sensitive information or when trying to declutter a document for printing or presentation purposes. It’s a simple process that involves just a few clicks but can have a huge impact on the way you manage and share your documents. Remember that while the text is not visible, it’s not deleted, and can be easily brought back into view with the right steps. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who enjoys organizing their documents, mastering how to hide text in Word is a valuable skill that can help you maintain control over your content. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how this handy function can enhance your document management experience!
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.