How to Redline in Google Docs (Easiest Way in 2025)
In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to redline in Google Docs in just a few simple steps. Read on to learn more.
How to Redline on Google Docs
Redlining on Google Docs can be achieved using two effective methods: the ‘Comment Feature’ and the ‘Suggested Edit Option.’ We will discuss how to use each method in the following sections.
Method 1: Using Comments to Suggest Changes Without Editing the Text
Here are the steps to redline a document in Google Docs using comments.
1. Highlight the Text You Want to Comment On
Select the text that you want to leave a suggestion or feedback on. Highlight it by clicking and dragging over the words.
2. Add a Comment on the Selected Text
Once the text is highlighted, right-click and select “Comment” from the menu.
You can also go to the “Insert” menu and select “Comment” from there.
Or click the “Add Comment” icon that appears to the right of the text.
3. Type and Save Your Comment
In the comment box that appears, type your suggestion or feedback. Click “Comment” to save it.
Your comment will appear as a bubble on the right margin, linked to the text you highlighted. This method lets you suggest changes without editing the document, making it ideal for giving feedback or asking questions.
4. Respond to or Resolve Comments
If you or a collaborator needs to address a comment, simply click “Reply” to add a response. Once the suggestion is addressed.
Click the check icon to resolve the comment and remove it from view (this can be undone if needed). This keeps the document organized as suggestions are completed.
Method 2: Using Suggesting Mode to Track Edits Directly in the Text
Follow the steps below to put a redline on Google Docs using the suggesting mode.
1. Switch to Suggesting Mode to Begin Tracking Edits
In the top-right corner of Google Docs, locate the “Editing” drop-down menu. Click on it and select “Suggesting.” This mode allows you to make edits directly in the text while keeping them as suggestions instead of permanent changes.
2. Make Edits in the Document to See Suggested Changes
Begin typing or editing text in the document as needed. Each change will automatically show up as a suggestion, marked by a distinct color and underlined.
The edits will also appear as notes in the right margin, allowing collaborators to see each suggestion clearly.
3. Review and Manage Suggested Changes
After making all your suggested edits, review them or have a collaborator review them. Click on any suggestion to see “Accept” or “Reject” options. Accepting will apply the change permanently, while rejecting will remove it.
4. Finalize Changes by Accepting or Rejecting Each Suggestion
Go through each suggested edit one by one, clicking “✓” to make it a permanent part of the document.
Or “x” to discard it. This ensures only approved changes become part of the final document.
We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to redline a document in Google Docs. If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check our articles on how to remove a horizontal line in Google Docs and how to indent the second line of a citation in Google Docs.
