Printing hidden text in Word might seem like a magic trick, but it’s actually a simple process. Whether you’ve got something you’ve tucked away for your eyes only or you’re working with a document that has text you need to reveal, learning how to print hidden text in Word can be incredibly handy. Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Print Hidden Text in Word
Before we get to the step-by-step, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. By following these steps, you’ll be able to print out the hidden text that’s in your Word document along with the visible text. This could be useful for printing out annotations, corrections, or other notes that you don’t always want to show on-screen.
Step 1: Open your document in Word
Open the Word document that contains the hidden text you want to print.
When you’ve found the document, make sure it’s the correct version – you wouldn’t want to print an outdated draft!
Step 2: Click on ‘File’
Click on ‘File’ in the top left corner of your Word document.
This will bring up a menu with a bunch of different options, but don’t get overwhelmed! We’re focusing on the printing aspect.
Step 3: Select ‘Print’
From the ‘File’ menu, select ‘Print’.
This will bring up the print settings, where you’ll see a preview of your document and several print options.
Step 4: Click on ‘Print Options’
In the print settings, look for and click on ‘Print Options’.
This is usually found at the bottom of the window or under an additional settings menu, depending on your version of Word.
Step 5: Check the box for ‘Print hidden text’
In the ‘Print Options’ dialog box, look for an option that says ‘Print hidden text’ and check the box next to it.
By checking this box, you’re telling Word that you want the hidden text to be printed along with the rest of your document.
After completing these steps, your document will print out with both visible and hidden text. Keep in mind that the hidden text will be marked with a dotted underline on your printed document, so you’ll be able to distinguish between what was hidden and what wasn’t.
Tips for Printing Hidden Text in Word
- Always preview your document before printing to ensure the hidden text appears as you expect.
- Remember that printing hidden text may use more ink or toner, so use this feature judiciously.
- If you’re sharing the printed document, let the recipient know that it contains hidden text.
- Be cautious when printing sensitive information that’s hidden; always make sure it’s going to a secure printer.
- If you can’t find the ‘Print hidden text’ option, make sure you’re in the correct menu and that your version of Word supports this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hidden text in Word?
Hidden text in Word is text that has been formatted to be invisible on the screen unless you choose to display it. It’s often used for comments, annotations, or sensitive information.
Why can’t I see the ‘Print hidden text’ option?
If you can’t see the ‘Print hidden text’ option in your print settings, you might be using a version of Word that doesn’t support it. Make sure you’re looking in the correct menu and that your software is up to date.
Will the hidden text be visible on the printed document?
Yes, the hidden text will be visible on the printed document and will usually be marked with a dotted underline to differentiate it from the rest of the text.
Can I print hidden text in color?
Yes, if your document has hidden text formatted in color, and you have a color printer, the text will print in color.
How can I hide text in Word?
To hide text in Word, select the text you want to hide, right-click, choose ‘Font’, and then check the box for ‘Hidden’. Remember to unhide it before printing if you don’t want it to appear.
Summary
- Open your document in Word.
- Click on ‘File’.
- Select ‘Print’.
- Click on ‘Print Options’.
- Check the box for ‘Print hidden text’.
Conclusion
Printing hidden text in Word is a straightforward process but is often overlooked because most users don’t even know the feature exists. Now that you’re in the know, you’ll find it can be incredibly useful for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re an editor needing to print out corrections, a writer wanting to print notes for a manuscript, or someone dealing with sensitive information that needs to be kept discreet until the final moment, this feature will come in handy. Just remember to use it wisely – printing hidden text can sometimes mean revealing more than you intended if it falls into the wrong hands. Happy printing, and may your hidden text always serve its purpose!
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.