How to Stop Suggestions in Google Docs

Google Docs suggestions are great for collaboration, but sometimes they can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you're working on a shared document or just want to have a cleaner workspace, knowing how to manage or stop these suggestions can be really helpful. This post will walk you through various methods to handle suggestions in Google Docs, making your writing process smoother and more efficient.

Why Turn Off Suggestions?

Suggestions in Google Docs are designed to bring clarity and collaboration to document editing. However, they can sometimes become a little too much. Imagine you're working on a document that dozens of people are collaborating on. The constant pop-ups of suggestions can disrupt your workflow, making it hard to focus on what you're trying to accomplish.

Turning off suggestions doesn't mean you're against collaboration. Far from it. It's about finding a balance. When you're in the zone, writing or editing, suggestions can break that concentration. By controlling when and how you see them, you can maintain your focus and ensure that your thoughts flow uninterrupted.

• Improved Focus: Less distraction from pop-ups means more concentration on content.
• Cleaner Workspace: A clear document without numerous suggestion bubbles.
• Control Over Edits: You decide when to see and implement changes.

Interestingly enough, if you're also looking to optimize your document creation process, Spell offers an AI-driven document editor that simplifies writing with minimal distractions, making it a great alternative for focused drafting.

Switching from Suggesting to Editing Mode

The first way to stop seeing suggestions is to switch from Suggesting mode to Editing mode. This is a simple toggle that changes how you interact with the document. In Suggesting mode, everything you type is a suggestion. In Editing mode, your changes become part of the document without the need for approval. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Look at the top right corner of the window, just below the Share button.
3. You'll see a pencil icon with a dropdown arrow next to it. Click on the dropdown.
4. Select Editing from the menu.

This change is immediate. You'll notice your edits no longer appear as suggestions. It's a straightforward approach that lets you take control of the document's content. Keep in mind, this works best if you're the document owner or have been granted editing rights.

Managing Comment Notifications

Sometimes, the suggestions aren't the problem. It's the notifications that come with them. Google Docs sends notifications for each new comment or suggestion, which can be quite distracting. You can manage these notifications to keep your inbox and mental space clear:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on the Comments button at the top right (it looks like a speech bubble).
3. In the dropdown, click on Notification settings.
4. Choose the notification level that suits you: All, Only comments for you, or None.

By selecting None, you'll stop receiving email notifications for new suggestions and comments. This doesn't stop others from making suggestions, but it does reduce the noise on your end.

Using Suggestion Filters

When working in a shared document, it's common to see a flurry of suggestions, especially if it's a large team. While you can't stop others from suggesting changes, you can filter what you see. This feature is particularly useful if you want to focus on a specific collaborator's input:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on Tools in the menu bar.
3. Select Review suggested edits.
4. Use the filter options to view suggestions from specific people or within certain time frames.

This way, you can prioritize which suggestions to consider without getting overwhelmed by the volume of inputs. It's a neat trick to streamline your review process and ensure you're not missing critical suggestions from key collaborators.

Temporarily Disabling Suggestions

If you're in the middle of intense writing or editing, and suggestions are becoming a distraction, temporarily disabling them can help. While Google Docs doesn't have a direct "disable suggestions" button, you can achieve a similar effect by working offline:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on File in the menu bar.
3. Go to Make available offline.
4. Once offline, suggestions won't appear until you're back online.

This method doesn't remove existing suggestions, but it blocks new ones from showing up until you reconnect. It's a handy workaround when you need undisturbed time to focus on your writing.

Using Google Docs' Suggestion Settings

Another way to manage suggestions is by diving into Google Docs' settings. While these settings don't directly stop suggestions, they give you more control over how they appear and impact your document:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on Tools.
3. Select Preferences.
4. Here, you can adjust various settings, such as automatically making suggested changes or reviewing them one by one.

By customizing these preferences, you can tailor your Google Docs environment to better suit your needs and reduce the cognitive load of managing multiple suggestions.

Acceptance of All Suggestions

If suggestions have piled up and you're looking to start fresh, accepting all suggestions might be the quickest way to clear them. This approach is best used when you're confident in the suggestions or if you plan to review them manually afterward:

1. Open your Google Doc.
2. Click on Tools.
3. Select Review suggested edits.
4. Click on Accept all to implement every suggestion at once.

While this clears the document of pending suggestions, be sure to review the changes to ensure they align with your intended content. It's a quick fix for overwhelming suggestion lists but requires a careful eye post-implementation.

Using Comments Strategically

Sometimes, suggestions aren't necessary. Instead, using comments strategically might serve the same purpose without cluttering the document. Comments provide a less invasive way to offer feedback without altering the text directly:

1. Highlight the text you want to comment on.
2. Right-click and select Comment.
3. Type your feedback or question in the comment box.

Comments allow for a dialogue without disrupting the flow of the original document, making them ideal for brainstorming sessions or detailed feedback discussions.

Consider Using AI Tools like Spell

If you find Google Docs suggestions to be a bit too much, you might want to consider using AI tools designed to streamline your document creation process. Spell is an AI document editor that helps you draft and edit content without the constant interruption of suggestions. With AI assistance, you can generate drafts in seconds and edit them using natural language prompts. It can be a great alternative for those looking for a more focused and efficient writing experience.

Spell offers real-time collaboration, just like Google Docs, but with built-in AI features that enhance your writing process. Whether you're drafting a business plan or editing a research paper, Spell helps you achieve a polished document faster and with less hassle.

Final Thoughts

Managing suggestions in Google Docs can greatly enhance your writing experience by reducing distractions and improving focus. From switching modes and managing notifications to using AI tools like Spell for a more streamlined process, there are plenty of ways to tailor your document editing environment to your needs. Spell allows me to draft, edit, and refine documents efficiently, making it an excellent choice for those who want to work smarter, not harder.