Google Docs is a great tool for collaborating on projects, but it can be difficult to keep track of changes. Here are some tips for tracking changes in Google Docs:
- Use a version control system. A version control system lets you track changes and revert to previous versions of documents. There are many different version control systems available, so find one that best suits your needs.
- Use a change log. A change log is a list of all the changes made to a document since it was last saved. This can be helpful when trying to figure out what changed and why.
- Use comments and annotations. Comments and annotations are great ways to add notes or reminders about specific changes in a document. They can also be used to discuss changes with other collaborators.
- Use email notifications for changes. If you want to be notified whenever someone makes a change to a document, you can set up email notifications using Google Docs’ settings page." ..
Turn On “Suggesting” Mode
When you work in a Google Docs document, you’re in “Editing” mode by default. This means that all edits you make are permanent and recorded in the edit history. To track any changes you make to the document as suggestions only, you’ll need to switch over to “Suggesting” mode.
First, open the Google Docs document that you’d like to suggest edits to. In the top-right corner of the window, below the Share button, you’ll see a Pen icon. Click it to display a drop-down menu.
You’re now in Suggesting mode. Now, each edit you make will be tracked. A green strikethrough will appear through removed text and any new text added will be green. Text that already existed in the document will remain black.
Invite Other Users to Suggest Edits
If you need someone to review your document, you’re going to have to invite the editor to suggest edits. However, you’ll need to make sure you assign the proper permissions.
RELATED: How to Share Documents on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
First, click “File” in the header menu, and then select “Share” at the top of the drop-down menu.
In the Share With People window, add the email of the person you want to share the document with, click the down arrow next to the privilege assignment option, and then choose “Commenter” from the drop-down menu.
The Commenter is able to make suggestions to the document without permanently removing any of the original text. However, an Editor can freely make changes without any of them being tracked and a Viewer can only view the text of the document.
Once you’re done, click “Send” to send out the document.
Accept or Reject Suggestions
If someone has made suggestions to your document, it’s up to you to accept or reject those changes. Doing so is simple. Each change made to a document is individually tracked, and you can view those details to the right of the window.
To accept a change, select the checkmark. To Reject a suggestion, click the X. Or, if you need additional context on the change, you can leave a comment.
That’s all there is to it.
Google Docs is a great tool for collaborating on documentation. However, if you’re more comfortable using Microsoft Word, you can also track changes there, too.
RELATED: Keeping Track of Changes Made to a Document
