Microsoft Office

Microsoft Word How To Get Out Of Edit Mode

Microsoft Word is a widely used word processing program that allows users to create and edit documents with ease. However, sometimes users can find themselves stuck in the "Edit Mode" and unable to exit. This can be frustrating and hinder productivity. But fear not, because there are simple ways to get out of Edit Mode and continue working on your documents seamlessly.

One method to exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word is by using the keyboard shortcut "Esc". Pressing the "Esc" key will instantly take you out of Edit Mode and back to the normal view. This quick and easy shortcut can save you time and help you regain control over your document. Another solution is to click on the "Close" button located at the top right corner of the program window. Closing the document and reopening it will also exit Edit Mode. These methods are efficient and ensure that you can continue using Microsoft Word without any interruptions.




Unlocking the Power of Microsoft Word: Exiting Edit Mode

Microsoft Word is a widely-used word processing software that allows users to create, edit, and format various types of documents. One of the key features of Microsoft Word is the ability to enter into "Edit Mode," which enables users to make changes to the content of a document. While Edit Mode is essential for editing and revising documents, it's equally important to know how to exit this mode effectively to resume regular use of the program. In this article, we will explore different methods to exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word.

Using the Keyboard to Exit Edit Mode

One of the quickest and most convenient methods to exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word is to use the keyboard shortcut. By pressing the "Esc" key on your keyboard, you can instantly exit Edit Mode and return to the regular view. This simple yet effective method is particularly useful when you want to switch between editing and reviewing your document without navigating through the various menus and options.

In addition to the "Esc" key, there is an alternate keyboard shortcut that can be used to exit Edit Mode. By simultaneously pressing the "Ctrl" key and the "End" key, you can also exit the editing mode and return to the regular view in Microsoft Word. This keyboard combination is a handy option when you have reached the end of your edits and want to quickly switch back to the default view.

It's important to note that the keyboard shortcuts may vary slightly depending on the version of Microsoft Word you are using. Therefore, it's always recommended to refer to the official documentation or help files provided by Microsoft for the specific keyboard shortcuts applicable to your version.

Using the Ribbon to Exit Edit Mode

If you prefer using the mouse and graphical interface, Microsoft Word provides a straightforward method to exit Edit Mode through the ribbon. The ribbon is the menu-bar-like section located at the top of the Word application, which contains various tabs and commands for different tasks.

To exit Edit Mode using the ribbon, simply click on the "File" tab (located on the top-left corner), and then click on the "Exit Edit Mode" option. This action will trigger Word to exit the editing mode and return to the regular view. This method offers a visual approach to switching between editing and viewing modes, allowing for a seamless transition.

Alternatively, you can also exit Edit Mode by clicking on the "Review" tab in the ribbon, and then clicking on the "Revisions" group. Within this group, you will find the "Track Changes" button with a drop-down menu. Simply select the "Final" option from the drop-down menu to exit the editing mode.

Using Contextual Menus to Exit Edit Mode

Microsoft Word provides context-sensitive menus that offer options based on the selected content or current task. These menus allow for quick access to relevant tools and commands, including the ability to exit Edit Mode swiftly.

To exit Edit Mode using the contextual menu, simply right-click anywhere within the document. A menu will appear with various options, including "Exit Edit Mode" or "Stop Editing" (depending on the version of Word). Clicking on this option will exit the editing mode and return you to the regular view.

Additionally, you can also right-click on the status bar at the bottom of the Word application window. This action will open a menu with various options related to View settings. From this menu, you can select the "Edit Mode" option to exit the editing mode and return to the default view.

Utilizing the View Options to Exit Edit Mode

Microsoft Word offers various viewing options to tailor the display of documents to suit your preferences and needs. These view options can also assist in exiting Edit Mode and returning to the regular view of your document.

One of the methods to exit Edit Mode using view options is through the "Draft" view. To switch from Edit Mode to Draft view, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon and then select the "Draft" option from the "Document Views" group. The Draft view provides a simplified and streamlined display of your document, making it easy to focus on the content without distractions. By switching to Draft view, you effectively exit Edit Mode and return to the normal view of the document.

Another useful view option for exiting Edit Mode is the "Print Layout" view. Similar to the previous method, click on the "View" tab in the ribbon, and then select the "Print Layout" option from the "Document Views" group. The Print Layout view displays the document as it would appear when printed, with accurate page breaks and formatting. By switching to Print Layout view, you can exit Edit Mode and resume normal document viewing.

  • Use the keyboard shortcuts: "Esc" key or "Ctrl" + "End" to quickly exit Edit Mode.
  • Click on the "File" tab and select "Exit Edit Mode" or use the "Track Changes" option in the "Review" tab to exit Edit Mode through the ribbon.
  • Right-click within the document or on the status bar for options to exit Edit Mode from the contextual menu.
  • Switch to "Draft" or "Print Layout" view in the "View" tab to exit Edit Mode using the view options.

Mastering the Art of Exiting Edit Mode

Becoming proficient in Microsoft Word includes not only knowing how to create and edit documents but also understanding how to navigate within the application efficiently. The ability to exit Edit Mode seamlessly is an essential skill that can enhance your productivity and workflow. By utilizing the various methods discussed in this article, you can quickly transition between editing and regular document viewing, allowing you to work effectively in Microsoft Word.



How to Exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word

When working with Microsoft Word, you may find yourself in the Edit Mode, where you can make changes to the document. It is important to know how to exit this mode to ensure that your document is not accidentally modified.

To exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word, you can use one of the following methods:

  • Press the "Esc" key on your keyboard.
  • Click on the "View" tab in the Ribbon and then click "Read Mode" to exit Edit Mode.
  • Alternatively, you can click on the "File" tab, select "Options" and then click on the "Advanced" tab. Under the "Editing options" section, uncheck the "Allow background saves" option, and then click "OK" to exit Edit Mode.

By following these steps, you can easily exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word and ensure that your document is protected from accidental modifications.


Key Takeaways: Microsoft Word How to Get out of Edit Mode

  • To exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word, simply press the "Esc" key.
  • You can also click on the "Close" or "Exit" button at the top-right corner of the Word window.
  • If you have made changes to your document while in Edit Mode, make sure to save your work before exiting.
  • Make sure to check whether the document is protected or restricted before attempting to exit Edit Mode.
  • If you are unable to exit Edit Mode, try restarting Microsoft Word or your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word.

1. How do I exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word?

To exit Edit Mode in Microsoft Word, simply press the "Esc" key on your keyboard. This will take you out of Edit Mode and return you to the normal viewing mode where you can make further changes or save your document. Alternatively, you can also click on the "View" tab in the toolbar and select "Print Layout" or "Read Mode" to exit Edit Mode.

It is important to note that if you are working in a protected document or a shared document, you may need to enter a password or have permission to exit Edit Mode.

2. Why am I stuck in Edit Mode?

If you find yourself stuck in Edit Mode in Microsoft Word, it may be due to a stuck key on your keyboard. Check if any keys are physically stuck or if your keyboard's function lock is enabled. Pressing the "Esc" key or disabling the function lock should help you exit Edit Mode.

If the issue persists, it may be a software glitch. Try restarting Microsoft Word or your computer to see if that resolves the problem. If the problem continues, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

3. Can I exit Edit Mode without losing my changes?

Yes, you can exit Edit Mode without losing your changes in Microsoft Word. When you exit Edit Mode, Word automatically saves any changes you made to the document. However, it is still a good practice to manually save your document by clicking on the "File" tab in the toolbar and selecting "Save" or pressing "Ctrl + S" before exiting Edit Mode.

By saving your document before exiting Edit Mode, you ensure that your changes are securely stored and won't be lost in case of any unexpected events or computer shutdowns.

4. How can I check if I am in Edit Mode or normal view in Microsoft Word?

To check if you are in Edit Mode or normal view in Microsoft Word, look at the bottom-left corner of the Word window. If you see the word "Edit" or "Editing" in that corner, you are in Edit Mode. If you don't see these words, you are in normal view.

You can also check the current viewing mode by clicking on the "View" tab in the toolbar. The selected viewing mode will be highlighted, indicating whether you are in Edit Mode or another view, such as "Print Layout" or "Read Mode".

5. How do I turn on Track Changes and enter Edit Mode in Microsoft Word?

To turn on Track Changes in Microsoft Word and enter Edit Mode, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Review" tab in the toolbar.

2. Click on the "Track Changes" button in the "Tracking" group.

3. Once Track Changes is turned on, any edits you make will be tracked and displayed in the document. You are now in Edit Mode.

To exit Edit Mode with Track Changes on, simply press the "Esc" key or click on the "Track Changes" button again to toggle off the feature.



In conclusion, getting out of edit mode in Microsoft Word is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. By following these steps, you can easily switch from edit mode to the normal viewing mode and continue working on your document without any distractions.

To exit edit mode, you can simply click on the "View" tab in the ribbon at the top of the screen. From there, you can click on the "Print Layout" button to switch to the normal view. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut key "Alt + Ctrl + P" to quickly toggle between edit mode and normal view.


Recent Post