How to Use Suggesting Mode in Google Docs on a Computer
Learn how to propose changes in Google Docs without immediately replacing the original text, based on official Google Docs Editors Help documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Edits can be suggested without immediately changing the original text; accepted suggestions replace the original text.
- Suggested edits appear in a new color, and any deleted text is crossed out.
- If the Suggesting option is missing from the toolbar, users can switch from Editing to Suggesting or request edit/commenter access from the owner.
When collaborating on Google Docs on a computer, you can propose edits without immediately altering the document's original wording. Official documentation from Google Docs Editors Help outlines the required setup and steps for using this workflow.
Prerequisites and Sharing Access
According to Google's sharing guidance, sharing from Google Drive allows owners to control whether others can edit, comment on, or only view files. The documented permission roles apply to files in My Drive. If the Suggesting option is unavailable, Google recommends requesting edit access or asking the file owner to share the document with you as a Commenter or Editor.
Steps to Suggest Edits on a Computer
To propose changes within a document on a computer:
- Open a document in Google Docs on your computer.
- Select the text you want to change. A button will appear on the right margin; click "Suggest edits".
- If you do not see Suggesting on the toolbar, click "Editing" at the top right and select "Suggesting" from the drop-down menu.
- Make your edits. You will see your change in a new color, and anything you delete will be crossed out.
- To provide additional context, click your suggestion, type a comment, and click "Reply".
Cautions and Workflow Notes
The owner of the file receives an email notification regarding your suggestions and can decide whether to keep them. If the owner approves the suggestions, they replace the original text. If you lack the necessary access to choose Suggesting, you can click "Request edit access" or ask the file owner to share the document with you as a Commenter or Editor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does suggesting an edit immediately replace the original text?
No. Suggestions appear in a new color with deletions crossed out. Accepted suggestions replace the original text.
What should I do if the Suggesting option is not available?
You can click Editing at the top right and choose Suggesting, click Request edit access, or ask the document owner to share the file with Commenter or Editor permissions.
Sources
Google Docs Editors Help: Suggest edits in Google Docs
Google Docs Editors Help: Share files from Google Drive
