Hiding and unhiding text in Word 2019 is a simple process that can be useful when you want to include additional information in a document without cluttering up the main text. To show hidden text, you just need to adjust the settings in Word to make it visible. Let’s dive into the step-by-step tutorial to make those hidden words pop out!
Step by Step Tutorial to Show Hidden Text in Word 2019
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish what we’re accomplishing here. Following these steps will make any text you’ve previously hidden in your document viewable again. This is handy for editing or simply for making sure you’ve got all the information you need in front of you.
Step 1: Open the Word document
Open the Word document that contains the hidden text you want to reveal.
After opening the document, you are ready to start the process of revealing the hidden text. Make sure your document is saved before making any changes, just to be on the safe side.
Step 2: Click the ‘Home’ tab
Navigate to the ‘Home’ tab in the top menu bar of Word.
Once you’re in the ‘Home’ tab, you’ll have access to a variety of text editing tools, one of which will allow you to display hidden text.
Step 3: Click on ‘Paragraph Settings’
In the ‘Paragraph’ group, click on the small arrow in the bottom-right corner to open the ‘Paragraph Settings’ dialog box.
This is where you can adjust various paragraph settings, including line spacing and indentation, but we’re focusing on revealing hidden text here.
Step 4: Select ‘Hidden Text’
In the ‘Paragraph Settings’ dialog box, go to the ‘Font’ tab and check the box next to ‘Hidden Text’.
By selecting this option, you’re telling Word that you want to see all the text that has been marked as hidden throughout your document.
Step 5: Click ‘OK’
After checking the box, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.
Now, any text that was previously hidden should be visible on your document, marked with a dotted underline.
After completing these steps, all the text you had hidden will now be visible, and you can go ahead and make any necessary edits or simply review the information.
Tips for Showing Hidden Text in Word 2019
- Make sure to save your document before making changes to avoid losing any data.
- The hidden text will appear with a dotted underline; this is to differentiate it from the rest of the text.
- If you want to hide the text again, simply uncheck the ‘Hidden Text’ box in the ‘Paragraph Settings’.
- Remember that showing hidden text will not print them unless you change the printing settings.
- Use hidden text sparingly as it can make your document confusing to others if they’re not aware of the hidden content.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Text in Word 2019
Why would I want to hide text in Word?
Hidden text can be useful for including notes, edits, or additional information that you don’t want to appear in the final printed document.
Can I print hidden text in Word 2019?
Yes, you can choose to print hidden text by adjusting the Word options in the ‘Display’ settings.
Will showing hidden text affect how my document looks when printed?
No, showing hidden text will only affect how the document appears on your screen. To print hidden text, you need to change the printing settings.
Can other people see the hidden text if I share the document?
If the other person knows how to show hidden text or if they have settings that automatically display it, then they can see it. Otherwise, it remains hidden.
Does showing hidden text reveal all hidden elements in the document?
Showing hidden text will reveal any text formatted as hidden, but it won’t reveal hidden formatting marks or other non-text elements.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Click the ‘Home’ tab.
- Click on ‘Paragraph Settings’.
- Select ‘Hidden Text’.
- Click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Knowing how to show hidden text in Word 2019 can be a game-changer, especially when you’re dealing with complex documents that require additional, non-printable information. Whether it’s for personal notes, editing purposes, or simply as a way to keep your document clean and uncluttered, hidden text serves a valuable purpose. Remember, though, the power of hidden text comes with responsibility—use it wisely to ensure that your documents remain professional and easy to navigate for others. Now that you know how to reveal those sneaky hidden words, you’ll never miss out on important hidden information again. Happy editing, and may your words always be visible when you need them to be!
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.