Collaborating in Google Sheets and Adding comments and suggestions is one of the best ways to review, share feedback, or ask questions without editing the original content directly. Whether you're a team member reviewing data or a manager providing input, learning how to use these tools helps keep your spreadsheets collaborative and clean.
Disclaimer: Suggestions are only available when the file is opened in “Suggesting” mode. Comments work in all modes as long as you have editing or commenting access.
How to Add a Comment in Google Sheets
Comments are a great way to leave notes, ask questions, or provide context to your collaborators. You can attach comments to specific cells or ranges, making it easy to highlight important points or ask for feedback.
Step 1: Select the Cell in Sheet
Click on the cell you want to add a comment to.
Step 2: Open the Comment Box
Right-click on the cell and select Comment from the menu. Alternatively, you can go to Insert > Comment.
Alternatively, you can use these shortcut keys, for Mac: CMD + Option + M and for Windows: CTRL + Alt + M
Step 3: Type Your Comment
In the comment box that appears on the right side of the screen, type your message. This could be anything from an instruction to a question for your collaborators.
Step 4: Post the Comment
Click Comment to post your message. Other collaborators will see the comment when they hover over the cell.
Step 5: Responding to a Comment
When someone replies to your comment, you'll be notified. To respond, simply click on the comment box and type your reply.
Once you make a suggestion, other users with editing privileges can either accept or reject it. When they hover over the suggested change, they'll see options to:
- Accept the suggestion: The suggested change will be applied.
- Reject the suggestion: The change will not be applied, and the document will return to its original state.
How to Comment on a Range of Cells
If you need to comment on a group of cells rather than a single one, Google Sheets allows you to comment on a range of cells. Here’s how:
Step 1: Select a Range of Cells
Click and drag to select the range of cells you want to comment on.
Step 2: Add a Comment
Right-click on the selected range and click Comment. This will allow you to add a comment about the entire selection of cells.
How to Mentions or Tag Someone in a Comment (Assign Tasks)
To direct a comment or question to a specific collaborator, you can use the @mention feature. This sends a notification to the person you mention, drawing their attention to the comment.
Step 1: Add a Comment
Click on a cell and select Comment.
Step 2: Mention Someone to Comment
Type @ followed by the person's name or email. This will tag them in the comment.
Step 3: Post the Comment
Click Comment to send the message. The person you mentioned will receive a notification and can reply accordingly.
How to View, Resolve, or Reopen Comments
- Click the “Comments” icon in the upper right (speech bubble).
- Click “Resolve” to mark a comment as completed.
- To reopen it, click “Resolved” → “Reopen”.
Comment vs. Suggesting Mode: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Comments | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
Requires edit access? | Yes (comment access only) | Must be in “Suggesting” mode |
Notifies team? | Yes (Via email or in-sheet alert) | If email enabled |
Makes direct changes? | No, (Notes only) | Proposes tracked edits |
Mobile support? | Fully supported | Not available (as of 2025) |
Best Practices for Using Comments and Suggestions
- Be clear and concise: Make sure your comments and suggestions are easy to understand. Avoid vague statements that could confuse collaborators.
- Use @mentions for urgency: If a comment requires immediate attention, use @mentions to notify the right person directly.
- Respect others' edits: When suggesting changes, ensure that you’re not overwriting someone else’s work unnecessarily. Use suggestions as a way to collaborate rather than making changes without consent.
By using comments and suggestions effectively, you can improve collaboration and ensure that everyone is on the same page. These features make it easier to communicate and track feedback within Google Sheets, allowing for a more organized and efficient workflow.