How to Redline in Google Docs: Step-by-Step Contract Redlining Process

What is Redlining?

Redlining a contract is the process of proposing tracked edits to agreement language during negotiation so all parties can review, approve, or reject changes transparently. And without the right tools, it can be painful. Since redlining is one of the most critical steps in the contract lifecycle management process, it’s important that it is as seamless as possible.

How to Redline a Document in Google Docs

For the sake of transparency, it’s best to redline a contract in Google Docs using “Suggesting” mode, which allows edits to be proposed as suggestions. This functions much like the “track changes” function in Word and allows editors to suggest line edits and make comments where necessary.

Follow these steps to complete a structured contract redlining process in Google Docs:

• In the top right-hand corner, under the share button, select “Suggesting” from the drop-down menu. This will cause your changes to render in a different color and be associated with the name of the person making the edits.
• Make in-line edits as you see fit.
• Place the cursor where you want to remove text and hit the “backspace” or “delete” key on your keyboard.
• To add text, place the cursor where you want to add text and type.
• To comment, highlight the desired text, then click the blue plus sign that appears to the right. Alternatively, you can right-click and select “Comment.”
• To accept changes, click the checkmark in the top right corner of the text box to the right of the changed text. Click the “X” to reject changes.
• To resolve a comment after making necessary changes, click the checkmark in the top right corner of the text box. This will hide the comment from the discussion, but it will still be available if you click the square dialogue box in the top right-hand corner.
• To check the document history, click the timestamp at the top of the document.

Benefits of Redlining Contracts in Google Docs

Google Docs is a dynamic, cloud-based word-processing tool available as part of Google’s suite of products. This makes it accessible to teams everywhere and doesn’t require specialized knowledge to operate.
Like Word, Google Docs allows you to make in-line edits and track changes all in one place. Unlike Word, however, it allows multiple collaborators to perform redline editing simultaneously while automatically recording who made each change and when.Google Docs allows multiple people to edit at the same time while still keeping track of who made what changes. 
Built-in version history lets reviewers monitor the full lifecycle of redline edits, helping teams verify revisions and maintain accountability. It also comes built-in with functionality that allows you to view the contract’s edit history over the course of the contract’s lifetime. Plus, since Google Docs is cloud-based, there is no need to download software, and the changes are updated in real-time.

Making Redlining Edits

Google Docs is a convenient starting point for contract redlining, especially for teams that need quick collaboration. However, as agreement volume grows, managing versions, approvals, and visibility can become complex. An end-to-end CLM platform helps centralize documents, streamline review workflows, and maintain full oversight. Request a demo of LinkSquares today.