Rename authors
Contents
Getting started
Overview
Rename authors (f/k/a Author Changer) is a module in the Toolkit utility of the Legal Productivity Suite for Microsoft Word by Craftware Solutions LLC. It modifies the author metadata of comments and track changes in a document. It facilitates collaboration between colleagues, practice groups and organizations by enabling you to standardize comments and edits by multiple reviewers.
Use case
This module serves two primary functions.
Conform authors
This module is useful when you have multiple individuals or departments reviewing a document, and you would like to conform the author of tracked changes and/or comments prior to transmitting the file to another party (e.g., opposing counsel or a client).
Timestamp removal
This module can also remove timestamps if you don't want the receiving party to know when the document was reviewed. Microsoft Word's Document Inspector can accomplish this task, but the author of comments and tracked changes is changed to "Author." This module allows you to maintain the author (or change it as desired).
Microsoft Word's Document Inspector (File tab > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options > Document Inspector)
Support
If you require support, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Changing authors
This renaming module provides two ways to change the authors of comments and track changes in a Microsoft Word document. You have the option to change authors as a whole or individually. To verify an author was changed after the workflow, use your mouse to hover over the comment or track change in the document. Please note, all authors of comments and/or track changes in the document can be viewed using Microsoft Word's Specific People feature (Review tab > Show Markup (Tracking grouping) > Specific People).
All authors
Renames all authors in the document. After entering the new author's name and initials, select the desired workflow options.
Renaming all authors
Specific authors
Lists all authors of comments and track changes in the document. Hovering over each segment of the donut chart shown below will show the number of comments and tracked changes by author. Only the author(s) specified with a check will be renamed during the workflow.
Only checked authors will be renamed
Workflow options
Enables you to specify whether comments and/or track changes are renamed.
Comments
Renames the author for preexisting comments in the document.
Track changes
Renames the author for the enabled track change elements.
Insertions
Affects track changes where new content was inserted.
Deletions
Affects track changes where content was deleted.
Formatting
Affects formatting changes made while track changes was enabled.
Miscellaneous options
Additional options while renaming comments or track changes.
Remove timestamps
Removes timestamps from the comment or track change while the author is renamed.
FAQs
How can I permanently change the author of future track changes and comments?
This module changes the author of preexisting comments and/or track changes. To change the author of newly inserted comments and/or changes, ensure the desired author is entered in Microsoft Word's General Options (File tab > Options > General).
Microsoft Word's General Options (File tab > Options > General)
How can I verify the author was changed?
To verify an author was changed after processing, use your mouse to hover over the comment or tracked change in the document. Please note, all authors of comments and/or tracked changes in the document can be viewed using Microsoft Word's "Specific People" feature (Microsoft Word Review tab > Show Markup (Tracking grouping) > Specific People).
How do I delete comments by a specific author?
Our delete or resolve comments module allows you to quickly accomplish this task.