How to Track Changes in Google Docs

Tracking changes is essential when multiple people work on the same document. Whether you are editing an article, reviewing a report, or collaborating with a client, Google Docs’ Track Changes feature—called Suggesting mode—allows you to see edits without permanently changing the original text.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to track changes in Google Docs, how to suggest edits, accept or reject changes, manage comments, and use best practices for smooth collaboration.

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What Is Track Changes in Google Docs?

Unlike Microsoft Word, Google Docs does not use a button labeled “Track Changes.” Instead, it uses Suggesting mode.

When Suggesting mode is enabled:

• Edits appear as suggestions

• Original text remains visible

• Changes can be accepted or rejected

• Editors and authors can review revisions easily

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Why Use Track Changes in Google Docs?

Tracking changes is useful when:

• Editing blog posts

• Reviewing assignments

• Collaborating with teams

• Proofreading content

• Getting feedback from clients or editors

Benefits include transparency, version control, and better collaboration.

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How to Enable Track Changes (Suggesting Mode)

Method 1: Using the Toolbar

1. Open your document in Google Docs

2. Look at the top-right corner

3. Click the Editing dropdown

4. Select Suggesting

You are now tracking changes.

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Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + A

• Choose Suggesting

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How Track Changes Work in Suggesting Mode

Once enabled:

• Inserted text appears in green

• Deleted text shows as strikethrough

• Each change is labeled with the editor’s name

• A comment box explains the change

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How to Make Suggestions in Google Docs

With Suggesting mode on:

1. Edit text normally

2. Google Docs records every change

3. Suggestions appear in the margin

No additional steps required.

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How to View All Tracked Changes

You can view suggestions:

• Directly in the document margins

• By scrolling through changes

• By clicking individual suggestions

Each suggestion shows:

• Editor name

• Time of edit

• Suggested modification

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How to Accept or Reject Changes

Accept a Change

1. Click the suggestion

2. Click Accept ✓

The change becomes permanent.

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Reject a Change

1. Click the suggestion

2. Click Reject ✕

The original text remains unchanged.

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Accept or Reject All Changes at Once

1. Click Tools → Review suggested edits

2. Choose Accept all or Reject all

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How to Switch Back to Editing Mode

Once review is complete:

1. Click the Suggesting dropdown

2. Select Editing

Edits now apply directly to the document.

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How to Use Comments with Track Changes

Comments add context to suggestions.

Add a Comment

1. Select text

2. Click Add comment (+)

3. Type your message

4. Click Comment

Comments are separate from tracked changes.

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Reply to a Comment

• Click Reply

• Add clarification or feedback

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Resolve a Comment

• Click Resolve

• Comment disappears but remains in history

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Difference Between Editing, Suggesting, and Viewing Modes

Use the correct mode based on your role.

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How to Track Changes When Sharing Documents

Share with Suggesting Access

1. Click Share

2. Add email addresses

3. Set permission to Commenter

4. Click Send

Commenters can suggest changes but not edit directly.

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How to See Version History Alongside Track Changes

Google Docs also saves versions.

View Version History

1. Click File → Version history

2. Select See version history

You can:

• See older versions

• Restore previous drafts

• Track who changed what and when

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Track Changes vs Version History

Use both for full control.

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Common Track Changes Problems (And Fixes)

Suggestions Not Showing

Fix:

• Ensure you are in Suggesting mode

• Check editing permissions

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Cannot Accept or Reject Changes

Fix:

• Ensure you have Editor access

• Ask document owner to change permissions

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Too Many Suggestions

Fix:

• Use Accept all

• Switch to Editing mode after review

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Best Practices for Using Track Changes in Google Docs

• Always enable Suggesting mode before editing

• Use comments to explain major edits

• Accept or reject suggestions regularly

• Avoid mixing Editing and Suggesting modes

• Review permissions before sharing

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Track Changes on Mobile (Android & iOS)

Steps:

1. Open document in Google Docs app

2. Tap three dots

3. Enable Suggesting mode

4. Edit text normally

Changes sync automatically.

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Who Should Use Track Changes?

Ideal for:

• Bloggers

• Editors

• Writers

• Students

• Teachers

• Content teams

• Freelancers working with clients

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Track Changes automatic in Google Docs?

No. You must enable Suggesting mode.

Can viewers see suggestions?

Yes, but they cannot accept or reject them.

Can I turn suggestions into comments?

No, but you can add comments separately.

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Advantages of Track Changes in Google Docs

• Real-time collaboration

• Cloud-based access

• No software installation

• Easy accept/reject workflow

• Clear editor attribution

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Final Thoughts

Tracking changes in Google Docs is simple yet powerful. With Suggesting mode, you can collaborate confidently, review edits efficiently, and maintain full control over your document. Whether you’re editing blog content, reviewing academic work, or collaborating with a team, this feature ensures clarity and transparency.

Once you master Suggesting mode, reviewing documents becomes faster, cleaner, and more professional.