By default, Track Changes inherit preset styles from the body content. However, you can change these styles to make your edits more noticeable or easier to read. For example, you can change the font and font size of comments in Microsoft Word, as shown in this tutorial.
This tutorial can also be used to change other styles in Word comments such as color, spacing, and indents.
As a bonus, the Pro Tip section at the end explains how to change the font style of the built-in comment balloon text, such as the reviewers’ names and the Reply and Resolve button labels.
The images shown below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2013, and Word 2010.
How to Change the Font and Font Size of Comments
The following steps change the appearance of comments in balloons and in the Reviewing Pane.
1. Select the Home tab.
2. Select the dialog box launcher in the Styles group.
3. Select the Manage Styles button in the Styles pane. (Note that your Styles pane may look longer or shorter than it appears in this image.)
4. Select Alphabetical in the Sort order drop-down menu in the Edit tab of the Manage Styles dialog box.
5. Select Comment Text in the Select a style to edit menu.
6. Select the Modify button.
7. Choose the new font and/or font size from the Modify Style dialog box.
8. [Optional Step] Select other styles such as font color, horizontal and vertical alignment, paragraph spacing, and indents.
9. Select the OK button in the Modify Styles dialog box.
10. Select the OK button in the Manage Styles dialog box.
11. Save your file in order to save your new styles.
Pro Tip: How to Change the Font and Font Size of Balloon Labels
The following steps change the built-in text in balloons such as the Reviewers’ names and the Reply and Resolve button labels. These steps will also change the text for formatting changes displayed in balloons.
1. Follow step 1 through step 4 in the section above.
2. Select Balloon Text in the Select a style to edit menu.
3. Continue following step 6 through step 11 in the section above.
Related Resources
How to Change the Default Font in Microsoft Word
How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word
How to Change the Color of Track Changes in Microsoft Word
How to Copy and Paste Text with Comments and Track Changes in Microsoft Word
Updated January 25, 2023