Hiding Errors

Word includes handy spelling and grammar checkers that can take the hard edges off some of your writing. Sometimes, however, it is nice to turn those features off so you aren't distracted by the red and green squiggly lines as you are feverishly typing your masterpiece.

If you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007, you probably already know that you can use settings on the Spelling & Grammar tab of the Options dialog box to hide both spelling and grammar errors. An easier way to turn errors on and off is to simply right-click on the Spelling and Grammar Status icon on the status bar. (This icon looks like an open book, sometimes with either a pencil or a red X over it.) When you right-click you can see a Context menu that allows you to turn error display on or off.

In Word 2007 this right-click shortcut won't work; all it does is allow you to modify what is displayed on the Status Bar. If you want to turn off the red and green squiggly underlines you need to or click the Office button, choose Word Options, and then click Proofing. You can then change the settings to turn off the spelling and grammar checking that normally occurs as you type.