Word 2019/2016: How to Hide or Unhide Text

You can hide or un-hide entire sections of text in Microsoft Word 2019 or 2016 for MacOS and Windows. The setting for this functionality is in a strange place. We can help you out with this tutorial though.

Windows Version

1. If you wish to hide text, select the text you wish to hide. If you wish to show text, select the area where the text is located, or press “Control” + “A” to select all text in the document.
   
2. Select “Home“, then expand the “Font” section.
   
3. Check the “Hidden” box to show hidden text, or uncheck it to hide text.
   
4. Select “OK“, and you’re done!

MacOS Version

If you wish to hide text, select the text you wish to hide. If you wish to show text, select the area where the text is located, or press “Command” + “A” to select all text in the document.

1. Select the “Word” menu, then choose “Preferences“.
2. Select “View“.
3. Check the “Hidden text” box to show hidden text, or uncheck it to hide text.
   

FAQ

My Header and Footer text is hidden. How can I view this?

Select the “View” menu and make sure that “Print Layout” or “Full Screen Reading” is selected. Headers and Footer text will not show when viewing your document in “Web Layout”, “Outline”, or “Draft” views.