Bring back focus view
On Word for Mac 2016 can we please have the focus view back? Not just the annoying and useless full screen view, but the focus view for concentrated reading and editing. (If possible, add the option to highlight to focus view as well.)
What is the point of issuing a supposed upgrade if you are getting rid of some of the best features. What do you think people do with an app called Word if not primarily use it to work with words?

Thanks for your feedback! We’re happy to report that your suggestion is now part of Office 365.
153 comments
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Adam commented
I loved using focus view. It made things cleaner and easier for me to focus my attention on my writing.
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Stuart Vyse commented
At the risk of being a blasphemer, I suggest using Scrivener, at least for initial composition. It has a wonderful focus view.
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Michael Borregaard commented
I'm a scientist and write professionally, and I've had the routine of working in focus view for an hour every morning. Upgraded on advice from our University's IT department this morning, and one of the key elements of my work routine is gone.
Please bring it back. -
Anonymous commented
Can you please bring back focused or read view for Word 2016 Mac!!! please.
It was the most important thing for writers -
Anonymous commented
also, why is there no 'help' feature in office 365, so that maybe we could find this feature?
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Anonymous commented
I cannot get it on my Office 365. No sign of it in the toolbar. Can you tell me where to find it. I also think it is wrong to require a sub just to get this simple feature.
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JS commented
Hey admin - your response is lame-o (to put it without profanities). What an obnoxious way to gouge people for a feature that already existed! Might as well use google docs if this is how it's going to go. Shame on your for choosing a path of exploitation and clearly going against the spirit of community. Do me a favor, please leave a large pile of poop for me on an exec's door who has the power to fix this.
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LV commented
Yes to Focus view, and please don't tell me that Office 365 offers it. The question is about Office 2016.
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Kelly commented
Yes, I agree!
I just got rid of "ommwriter" because Microsoft Word offered the focus view feature. Now I have to go repurchase the ommwriter for an upgrade that I didn't need...Having this focus view feature on word was so efficient and convenient.
I do remember that it did have bugs that resulted in some glitches, but I didn't want it to be completely gone!Please bring back the focus view.
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Kate commented
No joke, this was the reason I loved Word so much.
I'm so disappointed.
I'd hate to seem overly dramatic, but I feel betrayed by Microsoft and I don't think we can be friends anymore.
I'm researching alternatives, and there's a whole world of word processors out there doing the same things for a much more reasonable (and sometimes non-existent) price.
Microsoft, it's been fun, but you need to have a long, hard think about what you've done.
You let me down, friend.
You let me down. -
Anonymous commented
Why would you intentionally piss off so many of your customers in such a cynical yet foolish way? I would never have bought the new version if I had known the mode I have come to rely on to write my novels is no longer available unless I fork over more money. An idiotic choice made by someone who does not know the customer and doesn't give a sh-t about the customer. Upgrade your decision makers, Microsoft.
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Abigail commented
I just learned two days after purchase that there was no focus view in the new Word. I am NOT GETTING A SUBSCRIPTION for a single feature that USED to come with it. I paid once, I bought the product, that should be it.
I am calling the Apple Store to cancel Office and get a refund so I can buy Scrivner.
Ridiculous. Never buying anything from Microsoft again.
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Michael commented
I have version Word for Mac v.15.29 and Office 365 and can't find the focus view anywhere. Please help.
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Jason commented
Please bring back Focus View for all users of Word 2016. I am a writer and a teacher, and this feature is essential to my creative process as well as my pedagogical approach. Providing access to this feature only for subscribers -- i.e. denying access for those users who purchased the non-subscription version -- is poor form. Despite the claim that Microsoft has 'completed' this task, the problem remains.
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Michele commented
I miss the focus mode, too. I've just bought Microsoft Word for Mac and I'm not able to write anything without the "focus mode" feature. What a big disappointment!
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Francisco commented
Please bring back "focus view"
Thank you -
Anonymous commented
I have Office 365 and there is no focus view in Word. None.
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Jordana commented
Please fix this issue. It is highly highly missed!!!!!
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Anonymous commented
Dear Microsoft, why did you state on the official support site for the standalone Version of Word for Mac 2016, how to turn Focus View "On" and how to use it, when it is not implemented in the standalone version? After nearly 3h on the phone, Support wasn't able to tell me why it is missing. After my phone call the support site was changed and the info was added, that it is only available in Subscription 365?! WTF! I have a copy of the official support site from March 3rd 2017 where this info was clearly missing. I was relying on your official informations for my purchase! When do we get the Focus View like it was described on your site for Word for Mac 2016 or how do I get my money back? I can provide a copy of the site (without the info) if I am allowed to add a link.
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Anonymous commented
Wow. It took 9 months for MS to "review" and implement this feature -- and you implemented it ONLY for subscribers of 365?!
Those of us who paid good money for your standalone Office suite deserve better than this.
I'm discovering more and more that features I thought were missing or removed, have been removed only for me -- while someone else gets them.
Honestly, Microsoft -- that's low.