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BUG IN MS WORD: INSERT > CROSS-REFERENCE... TURNS TEXT INTO REVIEWER COMMENTS UPON PDF CONVERSION

10/23/2016

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Today I discovered that upon converting a Word file into a PDF (either via "Print" or Save As > PDF), Word automatically modifies Figure, Table, Equation etc. references that I've inserted via Insert > Cross-reference. It makes them into reviewer comments, changing their colour, underlining, and requiring the user to "Accept Change". It also inserts full equations in-line by their reference and bold-faces references, whereas I previously turned that feature off. The error occurs despite "Track Changes" being "off" and persisted on a PC. The Internet suggested this has something to do with hidden bookmarks, although I did not find any remedies to the problem (although others seem to be having the issue as well e.g., here). 

Unfortunately the only solution I arrived at was to re-type all references where they were previously inserted via cross-reference. Even then, some elements of equations appeared as reviewer comments (e.g., only the division line in an equation appeared as a comment, while the rest of the equation stayed normal; strange!). In order for these not to appear red (as comments) on the PDF, I needed to change the document vew to "final" rather than "final showing mark-up" in the Review pane (image below). Accepting each change does not solve the issues, as they automatically become comments again upon converting to PDF. ​​
Picture
I'm using Microsoft Word for Mac 2011, although I believe this issue exists in other versions of the software. This experience as well as others reinforces my prefer for LaTeX over Word. I generally use LaTeX for everything, even class notes, but could not use in this instance per the requirements of an academic journal. 
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    Author

    Same author, Grace. This is where I make technical notes, usually related to my PhD. My slightly more exciting blog, Grace Under Pressure, is here. 

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