Are you tired of Google Docs constantly offering suggestions while you’re trying to work? Those little blue underlines can be helpful, but sometimes they’re more of a distraction than anything else. Luckily, there’s a way to turn them off. In just a few simple steps, you can stop Google Docs from suggesting changes and edits to your document.
How to Stop Suggesting on Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re trying to achieve here. Turning off suggestions in Google Docs will stop the program from automatically offering spelling and grammar corrections, as well as other editing suggestions, as you type.
Step 1: Open the Google Doc
First things first, open up the Google Doc you want to stop suggestions on.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people try to change settings without having the document open. Make sure you’re in the right document and ready to go.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Tools’ Menu
Next, click on the ‘Tools’ menu at the top of the page.
This is where you’ll find all the settings and options for your document, including the ones for suggestions.
Step 3: Select ‘Preferences’
From the ‘Tools’ menu, select ‘Preferences’.
This will open up a new window with a bunch of different options for how Google Docs operates.
Step 4: Uncheck ‘Show Suggestions’
In the ‘Preferences’ window, uncheck the box next to ‘Show suggestions’.
By unchecking this box, you’re telling Google Docs that you don’t want it to offer suggestions anymore. It’s as simple as that.
Step 5: Click ‘OK’
After you’ve unchecked ‘Show suggestions’, click ‘OK’ to save your changes.
This will close the ‘Preferences’ window and apply your new settings to the document.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll no longer see those pesky blue underlines in your Google Doc. You can now type in peace, without interruptions from suggestions. If you ever change your mind and want to turn suggestions back on, just follow these steps again and check the ‘Show suggestions’ box.
Tips for Managing Suggestions on Google Docs
Now that you know how to turn off suggestions, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Remember that turning off suggestions doesn’t mean that spelling and grammar mistakes won’t happen. It just means that Google Docs won’t point them out to you.
- If you’re working on a shared document, turning off suggestions on your end won’t affect other users. They’ll still see suggestions unless they turn them off themselves.
- You can also turn off suggestions for specific words or phrases by adding them to your personal dictionary in the ‘Preferences’ window.
- If you only want to turn off suggestions for a specific session, you can use ‘Suggesting’ mode instead of ‘Editing’ mode. This way, suggestions will be turned off, but you can still see others’ suggestions and comments.
- You can always use the ‘Check Spelling and Grammar’ tool in the ‘Tools’ menu to manually check for mistakes when you’re done typing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to turn suggestions back on?
If you decide you want to turn suggestions back on, just follow the steps above and check the ‘Show suggestions’ box in the ‘Preferences’ window.
Can I turn off suggestions for just one document?
Yes, the steps above will only affect the document you have open. If you want to turn off suggestions for another document, you’ll need to repeat the process.
Will turning off suggestions affect my ability to collaborate with others?
No, turning off suggestions on your end won’t affect other users’ ability to make suggestions or comments on the document.
What’s the difference between ‘Suggesting’ mode and ‘Editing’ mode?
‘Suggesting’ mode allows you to make changes to the document that appear as suggestions, which can be accepted or rejected by other users. ‘Editing’ mode allows you to make direct changes to the document without leaving suggestions.
Can I still see suggestions from others if I turn off suggestions on my end?
Yes, you’ll still be able to see suggestions and comments from others, even if you have suggestions turned off for yourself.
Summary
- Open the Google Doc you want to stop suggestions on.
- Click on the ‘Tools’ menu.
- Select ‘Preferences’.
- Uncheck ‘Show suggestions’.
- Click ‘OK’.
Conclusion
Turning off suggestions on Google Docs can be a real game-changer, especially if you’re someone who prefers to work without constant interruptions. With the simple steps outlined above, you can have a distraction-free writing experience and maintain full control over your document. Plus, with the additional tips provided, you can manage suggestions in a way that works best for you and your workflow. Whether you’re working on a personal project or collaborating with others, knowing how to stop suggesting on Google Docs is a valuable skill to have. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, go forth and write with confidence!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.