Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Comments in Endnotes.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 29, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Pat noted that she can add comments throughout her document, except in endnotes. When she tries, the commands and tools to enter comments are inaccessible. Pat is wondering if there is a way to get around this and actually add comments in the endnotes of her document.
The short answer is that there is no way; Word doesn't allow you to add comments to either footnotes or endnotes. There are a couple workarounds you can use, however. One is to actually insert your comment in the main portion of your document, right next to your footnote or endnote reference.
The second workaround is to use the COMMENT field to add your comment. This field can be inserted just fine in endnotes. Just insert a pair of field braces (by pressing Ctrl+F9), type the word COMMENT and then place your comment within quote marks, in this manner:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
{ COMMENT "This is my comment" }
When you collapse the field, so that only its result is showing, the comment appears next to the endnote in Page Layout (Print Layout) view. Comments inserted this way are handled just a bit differently than regular comments, however, as they will not appear in any markup list that you may create or view.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (3464) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Comments in Endnotes.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Word makes it easy to convert all your footnotes to endnotes and vice versa. You may want to only convert a couple of ...
Discover MoreWhen you are done typing a footnote or endnote in your document, you may want a way to return to the main document text ...
Discover MoreFootnotes are essential in some types of writing. When you need to add footnotes to your documents, you'll appreciate the ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2022-10-06 06:06:54
Henry Tailor
Endnotes and footnotes may be used by the author for bibliographical information, outside sources, copyright authorization, explanatory material, citations, or more information on the topic at hand.
https://desklib.com/blog/footnotes-vs-endnotes/
2020-02-14 04:34:47
Joe Steinhardt
Does anyone know WHY Word won't let you do this? It's infuriating!
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments