Merging multiple versions of a Word document can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with feedback from several reviewers. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to efficiently compare and merge two Word documents, ensuring no edits or suggestions are overlooked.
Comparing and Combining Two Documents in Word
Microsoft Word offers a built-in feature to streamline the comparison and merging process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Initiate the Compare and Merge Process: In Word, navigate to the Review tab, then click Compare and select Combine. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to select the original and revised documents.
-
Select the Original Document: Under Original document, use the dropdown menu or the folder icon to locate and select the original version of your document – the one you sent for review. This is the document without any changes.
-
Choose the Revised Document: Under Revised document, select the document containing the changes you want to merge. This could be one of the reviewed copies you received.
-
Label the Changes (Optional): In the Label unmarked changes with field, enter a name or identifier to easily track who made the revisions. This is particularly useful when merging feedback from multiple reviewers.
-
Configure Merge Options: Click More for advanced options. Under Show changes in, select New document to create a separate document displaying the combined changes. This preserves your original and revised documents.
-
Review and Finalize: Word will generate a new document with the combined changes. The screen will be divided into three sections: revisions, combined document, and the original and revised documents side-by-side. If the three-panel view is overwhelming, simplify it by going to Review > Compare > Show Source Documents > Hide Source Documents. This leaves you with vertical red lines indicating changes. Review all changes carefully and accept or reject them as needed.
-
Save the Merged Document: Once you’re satisfied with the final version, save the document.
Merging Multiple Documents
To merge more than two documents, repeat the process using the previously merged document as the “original” document and the next revised document as the “revised” document.
Conclusion
Utilizing Word’s compare and merge functionality allows for efficient integration of feedback and revisions from multiple sources. This process ensures a comprehensive and accurate final document, streamlining collaborative workflows. By following these steps, you can confidently manage document versions and consolidate changes without losing any valuable input.
