How to Track Changes in Google Docs (Suggesting Mode)
Short Answer
How do you track changes in Google Docs?
Click Editing at the top right and choose Suggesting, or press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X (⌘ + Option + Shift + X on Mac). Your edits then show as suggestions that the owner can accept or reject. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then R G.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Review › Track Changes (Suggesting). On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Switch to suggesting | Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X | ⌘+Option+Shift+X |
| Switch to editing | Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Z | ⌘+Option+Shift+Z |
| Review suggested edits | HoldCtrl+Altand pressOthenU | HoldCtrl+⌘and pressOthenU |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Menus
- At the top right, click Editing.
- From the drop-down, select Suggesting.
- To accept or reject everything at once, click Tools › Review suggested edits, then Accept all or Reject all.
When files convert between Word and Google Docs, Word's tracked changes become suggestions, and suggestions become tracked changes.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press R, then G. ShortieCuts runs “Track Changes (Suggesting)”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt WMS | SuggestingView key-tips |
| Alt WME | EditingView key-tips |
| Alt WMV | ViewingView key-tips |
| Alt RA | Accept / Reject SuggestionsReview key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Track Changes is Alt, R, G on Word's Review tab. ShortieCuts maps it to Google's Suggesting mode, the closest match.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H4 | StrikethroughBuilt-in: Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Alt HKD | Line Spacing |
| Alt GPW | Watermark |
| Alt H6 | Superscript & SubscriptBuilt-in: Ctrl + . |
| Alt HAI | IndentBuilt-in: Ctrl + ] |
| Alt PP | Pages vs Pageless |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to track changes in Google Docs?
Switch to suggesting: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X on Windows; ⌘ + Option + Shift + X on Mac. Switch to editing: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Z on Windows; ⌘ + Option + Shift + Z on Mac. Review suggested edits: hold Ctrl + Alt and press O then U on Windows; hold Ctrl + ⌘ and press O then U on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + R + G work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + R + G there won't track changes. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then R, then G, and ShortieCuts runs its "Track Changes (Suggesting)" command.
How do I track changes in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Option + Shift + X (Switch to suggesting). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then R, then G.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.