How to See Resolved Comments in Google Docs

how to see resolved comments in google docs
by David Harris // December 10  

Success often hinges on teamwork when editing a document in Google Docs as a team. Team members share input and suggestions through comments. Usually, these comments get resolved once addressed. The question here is: how to see resolved comments in Google Docs? Knowing how to view these comments can be crucial for record-keeping, revisions, and understanding past discussions.

Resolved comments in Google Docs are comments marked as completed or addressed by the author or collaborators. The comments disappear from the main thread yet remain intact; access for future reference is still possible.

Accessing Resolved Comments

To see resolved comments in Google Docs, follow these steps:

  1. Open Your Document: Head to Google Docs and open the document where you want to check resolved comments.
  2. Comment History: Click on the “Comments” button or the “Open comment history” option on the right-hand side of your document. This option can appear as a speech bubble icon.
  3. View Resolved Comments: In the comment history sidebar, you will see a list of resolved and unresolved comments. Resolved comments typically have a line through them, indicating their completion.
  4. Reopening Comments: If you want to revisit a resolved comment, click on it, and the document will scroll to that specific part to show you the context.

This feature proves especially helpful for lengthy documents with feedback spanning multiple sections, enabling clear tracking of responses to each comment.

Why Tracking Resolved Comments is Important

Keeping track of resolved comments serves several purposes. First, it allows you to maintain a clear history of feedback and changes. By reviewing resolved comments, you can:

  • Understand how decisions emerged based on previous feedback.
  • Make sure every suggestion gets noticed.
  • Serve as a record during later reviews, especially if multiple collaborators are involved.

Let’s look at a scenario where tracking resolved comments can be beneficial. Imagine you’re working on a group project with a tight deadline. Everyone leaves comments during the drafting phase. As the document evolves and you resolve comments by making changes, returning to these comments later can help justify design choices or revisions when the project gets reviewed again.

Other Features Related to Comments

Google Docs has several features that complement the resolved comments feature. Understanding them can enhance your document collaboration experience:

1. Notification Settings

You can adjust notification settings to keep track of comments as they are added or resolved. Staying updated can ensure smoother communication if you work with several team members.

To adjust your comment notifications:

  • Click on “File” in the menu.
  • Select “Notification rules.”
  • Choose your preferences regarding receiving email notifications for comments.

2. Replying to Comments

Collaborators can also respond to comments. This feature is helpful if additional clarification is needed. When you reply to a comment, the original commenter will receive a notification, allowing for ongoing discussions about a particular point.

3. Using Suggested Edits

In addition to comments, Google Docs offers a “suggesting” mode where collaborators can make changes that appear as suggestions rather than direct alterations. This mode enhances feedback by integrating editing and commentary seamlessly.

4. Assigning Comments

You can assign comments to specific individuals. This feature is beneficial in project management, ensuring accountability for particular feedback. To assign a comment, simply type “@” followed by the collaborator’s name when writing a comment, and they will receive a notification.

Keeping Comments Organized

Being organized can make the process less overwhelming if you deal with a document with numerous comments. Here are a few tips to manage and clarify comments effectively:

1. Prioritizing Comments

Not all comments hold equal weight. When reviewing comments, prioritize them based on urgency or importance. Addressing high-priority comments first can lead to a more efficient workflow.

2. Categorizing Comments

Consider adding tags or categories to comments where possible. For example, you might have tags for “grammar,“content, and “formatting. This approach allows for faster navigation through the comments.

3. Regular Review Sessions

Set aside regular review sessions with your team to go over comments. This collaborative effort improves communication, clears confusion, and keeps everyone aligned.

4. Closing Comments

When addressing a comment, resolve it completely once the discussion finishes. This approach clarifies completed tasks and highlights those needing further focus.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To See Resolved Comments In Google Docs

Q. How can I access the comments menu in Google Docs?
A. Click on the “Comments button on the right side of the document or click on “View in the top menu and select “Show comments.”

Q. Are resolved comments permanently deleted from Google Docs?
A. No, resolved comments have not been deleted. You can view them by accessing the comment history at any time.

Q. Can I reopen a resolved comment?
A. Certainly! You can reopen a resolved comment by clicking on it in the comment history and then clicking the “Resolve button again.

Q. Can I filter comments in Google Docs?
A. Yes! You can filter comments using the comment history side panel, which shows resolved and unresolved comments.

Q. Are resolved comments visible to all collaborators?
A. Yes. All collaborators with access to the document can see resolved comments.

Q. Can I delete comments instead of resolving them?
A. Absolutely! You can delete comments by choosing the “Delete option from the comment menu instead of resolving them.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of comments I can add in Google Docs?
A. There is no known limit to the number of comments you can add, but performance may slow down on extremely large documents.

Q. What should I do if I find a resolved comment that needs attention?
A. You can reopen the resolved comment and address the issue through discussion or by making the necessary changes.

Q. Can I print comments along with my document?
A. Currently, comments do not print with the document by default. However, you can export the document to a format that includes them.

Q. What happens to comments if I make a copy of the document?
A. If you make a copy of the document, all comments, including resolved ones, will be carried over to the new copy.

Conclusion

Understanding how to see resolved comments in Google Docs enhances collaboration and allows for a more organized approach to document management. Moreover, utilizing additional features such as notifications, replies, suggestions, and assignments further streamlines the process. Your team can stay aligned while working towards a common goal by prioritizing, categorizing, and reviewing comments.

Being adept at utilizing resolved comments in Google Docs improves document collaboration and builds a foundation for successful teamwork in any writing endeavor.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.