How to Hide Word Count in Word 2016: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hiding the word count in Word 2016 is a simple process that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you find the word count distracting or just want to clean up your workspace, this quick guide will show you how.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Word Count in Word 2016

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re going to do. We’re going to disable the word count feature that usually appears at the bottom left corner of the Word document window. This will give your document a cleaner look, and you won’t be distracted by constantly checking how many words you’ve written.

Step 1: Open the Word Document

Open the Word document where you want to hide the word count.
Once you have your document open, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Go to the Review Tab

Click on the ‘Review’ tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window.
The ‘Review’ tab is where you can find tools for proofing and comments, but it’s also where you can access the word count settings.

Step 3: Click on Word Count

In the ‘Review’ tab, you’ll see a ‘Word Count’ button. Click on it.
This will open a small window that shows the current word count along with other statistics like pages, characters, paragraphs, and lines.

Step 4: Uncheck ‘Show Word Count’

In the Word Count window, uncheck the checkbox that says ‘Show word count on the status bar’.
By unchecking this option, you’re telling Word not to display the word count at the bottom of the window anymore.

Step 5: Close the Word Count Window

Click ‘Close’ to exit the Word Count window.
And that’s it! The word count should now be hidden from the status bar.

After completing these steps, you won’t see the word count at the bottom of your Word document anymore. If you ever need to check the word count again, just follow the steps again and recheck the ‘Show word count on the status bar’ option.

Tips on How to Hide Word Count in Word 2016

• Remember, you can always bring the word count back by reversing the process.
• If you find yourself frequently hiding and showing the word count, consider using a keyboard shortcut to speed up the process.
• Keep in mind that hiding the word count does not affect the document’s word count; it only hides the display.
• If you’re working on a document with others, let them know that you’ve hidden the word count, so they’re not confused.
• Use the hidden word count feature to focus more on the content of your writing rather than the length.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I see the word count again after hiding it?

To see the word count again, simply go back to the ‘Review’ tab, click on ‘Word Count’, and then check the ‘Show word count on the status bar’ checkbox.

Does hiding the word count affect the document’s statistics?

No, hiding the word count does not affect the actual statistics of the document; it only hides the display from the status bar.

Can I hide the word count in other versions of Word?

Yes, while the steps may vary slightly, you can hide the word count in other versions of Word by looking for the word count option under the ‘Tools’ or ‘Review’ tabs.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for hiding the word count?

There isn’t a direct keyboard shortcut for hiding the word count, but you can access the ‘Word Count’ window quickly by pressing Alt+R, W.

Will hiding the word count affect other users who view the document?

Hiding the word count is a user-specific setting, so it will not affect other users who view the document on their computers.

Summary

1. Open the Word document.
2. Click on the ‘Review’ tab.
3. Click on ‘Word Count’.
4. Uncheck ‘Show word count on the status bar’.
5. Close the Word Count window.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiding the word count in Word 2016 is a straightforward task that can help you focus on your writing without getting distracted by numbers. With this feature, you can maintain a cleaner workspace and let your creativity flow without constantly checking how many words you’ve churned out. Remember, the word count is just a number; what truly matters is the quality of your writing. Still, it’s nice to have the option to hide it when you want to. So, the next time you’re engrossed in writing that novel, essay, or report, remember this guide on how to hide word count in Word 2016 and write without limits.