How to Use Comments in Google Docs

Google Docs is designed for collaboration. One of its most powerful yet simple features is Comments. Comments allow you to give feedback, ask questions, suggest improvements, and communicate with collaborators without changing the actual content of a document.

Whether you’re a blogger working with an editor, a student submitting assignments, or a team collaborating on reports, knowing how to use comments in Google Docs can dramatically improve workflow and communication.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to add, reply to, assign, resolve, and manage comments in Google Docs—on desktop and mobile.

What Are Comments in Google Docs?

Comments are notes attached to specific text, images, or areas of a document. They appear in the right margin and do not affect the document’s main content unless acted upon.

Comments allow users to:

  • Give feedback

  • Ask questions

  • Suggest edits

  • Tag collaborators

  • Track discussions

  • Review documents efficiently

Why Use Comments in Google Docs?

Comments are useful because they:

  • Keep discussions organized

  • Avoid cluttering the document

  • Improve collaboration

  • Reduce confusion during editing

  • Save time compared to emails or messages

They are especially useful in team environments.

How to Add a Comment in Google Docs (Desktop)

Method 1: Using the Toolbar

  1. Open your document in Google Docs

  2. Select the text you want to comment on

  3. Click the Add comment (+) icon in the toolbar

  4. Type your comment

  5. Click Comment

Your comment will appear in the margin.

Method 2: Right-Click

  1. Highlight the text

  2. Right-click

  3. Select Comment

  4. Type your message

  5. Click Comment

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut

  • Select text

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + M (Windows)

  • Press Cmd + Option + M (Mac)

This is the fastest way to add comments.

How to Add Comments Without Selecting Text

You can comment on an entire paragraph or area:

  1. Place your cursor where needed

  2. Click Add comment

  3. Type your note

  4. Click Comment

This is useful for general feedback.

How to Reply to a Comment

Comments support threaded conversations.

Steps:

  1. Click on an existing comment

  2. Click Reply

  3. Type your response

  4. Press Enter

All replies stay grouped under the original comment.

How to Resolve Comments in Google Docs

Once a comment is addressed, you can resolve it.

Steps:

  1. Click the comment

  2. Click Resolve

The comment disappears from the document but is not deleted permanently.

How to Reopen Resolved Comments

If needed, you can view resolved comments.

Steps:

  1. Click the Comments icon (top-right)

  2. Switch to Resolved

  3. Click a comment

  4. Select Reopen

How to Assign Comments to Someone

You can assign comments to specific users.

Steps:

  1. Add a comment

  2. Type @emailaddress

  3. Write your message

  4. Check Assign to

  5. Click Assign

The person receives an email notification.

How to Use @Mentions in Comments

You can tag users or link files using @mentions.

Examples:

  • @john@gmail.com – tag a user

  • @file name – link a document

  • @date – insert a date

This improves collaboration and context.

Difference Between Comments and Suggestions

Feature Comments Suggestions
Changes text No Yes
Feedback only Yes No
Accept/reject No Yes
Best for discussion Yes No

Use comments for feedback and Suggesting mode for tracked edits.

How to View All Comments in One Place

Steps:

  1. Click the Comments icon in the top-right

  2. View:

    • Open comments

    • Resolved comments

    • Assigned comments

This is helpful for document review.

How to Delete a Comment

Steps:

  1. Click the comment

  2. Click More (three dots)

  3. Select Delete

Only the comment author or document owner can delete comments.

How Comments Work with Sharing Permissions

Permission Levels:

  • Viewer – Can view comments

  • Commenter – Can add and reply to comments

  • Editor – Full access

To allow comments:

  1. Click Share

  2. Set access to Commenter

  3. Send invite

How to Use Comments on Mobile (Android & iOS)

Add Comment on Mobile:

  1. Open the Google Docs app

  2. Select text

  3. Tap + → Comment

  4. Type your message

  5. Tap Post

Reply or Resolve:

  • Tap the comment

  • Choose Reply or Resolve

Mobile comments sync automatically.

How to Turn Comments into Action Items

Using assigned comments:

  • Assign tasks

  • Track progress

  • Ensure accountability

  • Reduce follow-ups

This is especially useful for teams and editors.

Common Comment Problems and Fixes

Comments Not Showing

Fix:

  • Ensure comments are enabled

  • Check viewing mode

  • Refresh the document

Cannot Add Comments

Fix:

  • Ask for Commenter or Editor access

  • Check sharing permissions

Too Many Comments

Fix:

  • Resolve outdated comments

  • Use suggestions instead

  • Summarize feedback

Best Practices for Using Comments in Google Docs

  • Be clear and concise

  • Comment on specific text

  • Use @mentions wisely

  • Resolve comments after action

  • Avoid over-commenting

  • Keep discussions professional

When to Use Comments vs Editing

Use comments when:

  • Giving feedback

  • Asking questions

  • Requesting clarification

  • Reviewing work

Use editing when:

  • Making final changes

  • Fixing errors directly

  • Completing approved edits

Are Comments Saved in Version History?

Yes.

  • Comments are stored in document history

  • Resolved comments remain accessible

  • Version history tracks changes separately

Who Should Use Comments in Google Docs?

Comments are ideal for:

  • Bloggers and editors

  • Students and teachers

  • Freelancers and clients

  • Content teams

  • Business professionals

  • Remote teams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can viewers add comments?

No. Only Commenters and Editors can.

Do comments appear in printed documents?

No. Comments are excluded from print.

Are comments private?

Only users with access can see them.

Advantages of Using Comments in Google Docs

  • Easy collaboration

  • No extra tools needed

  • Real-time communication

  • Organized feedback

  • Cloud-based access

Final Thoughts

Comments in Google Docs are a simple yet powerful collaboration tool. They allow teams to communicate clearly, review efficiently, and work together without confusion. Whether you’re editing blog posts, reviewing assignments, or managing client feedback, mastering comments will save time and improve document quality.

Once you start using comments properly, Google Docs becomes more than just a writing tool—it becomes a complete collaboration workspace.

Latest Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *