Struggling to print a Google Document with comments? You're not alone. Google Docs, while excellent for collaborative work, can be confusing when it comes to printing, especially when you need to include comments. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your printed document retains all your valuable feedback and suggestions.
Before we dive in, let's quickly understand the differences between viewing and printing comments in Google Docs. Comments are visible by default when you view a document, helping you and your collaborators share ideas and provide feedback. However, they are hidden when you print, by default. Let's learn how to change this.
Accessing Print Settings
To start, you need to access your document's print settings. Google Docs keeps this simple, with a dedicated print icon. Here's how to find it:
1. Open your Google Doc with comments. Click on "File" in the top-left corner.
Using the Print Dialog Box
Once you're in the print dialog box, you can customize print settings like margins and scale. For comments, though, you'll need to venture into another menu.
2. In the drop-down menu that appears, click on "Print". A dialog box titled "Print" will pop up on your screen.
Using the Printing Options
Here, you can adjust page size, orientation, and other printing attributes. But for comments, we need to venture into another menu.
3. Click on the "More" button at the bottom of the dialog box. This opens up a range of advanced printing options.
Printing Comments in Google Docs
Now that we're deep into the print settings, let's finally tackle how to print comments in Google Docs.
4. Look for the "Print comments" option. It's usually found under the "Options" heading. Click on the box next to it to check it. This tells Google Docs to include comments in your printout.
Choosing Comment Styles
Printing comments is just the first step. You also have the option to customize their appearance on your printed page.
5. Just below "Print comments", you'll find "Comment style". This drop-down menu lets you choose how comments appear. The "Inline" option prints comments next to the text they refer to. The "Margin" option prints them in the margin, which can leave more room for regular text.
Reviewing Printed Comments
Once you've chosen your comment style, you can preview how your printout will look. Google Docs provides a preview window for this very purpose.
6. Look near the top of the print dialog box for "Preview". Click on it, then adjust your printing settings as needed until you're satisfied with the preview.
Printing Your Document
With all settings tailored to your liking, it's time to initiate the print job.
7. Once you're satisfied with the preview, click on "Print". Your browser will handle the rest, connecting with your printer and sending the document off to be printed.
Checking Your Printer's Comment Settings
Remember, the process doesn't stop at Google Docs. Your printer also has settings that might affect how comments are printed.
8. Before printing, double-check your printer's control panel or manual for options related to comments or notes. Some printers have built-in settings that can override or complement Google Docs' comment printing options.
Printing Google Docs with comments can seem daunting at first, but with these steps, you should be well on your way to a commented, printed document. Happy printing!