How to Insert a Note in Google Sheets

In this article, you will learn how to attach a note to a cell in Google Sheets. A note inserted in a cell is helpful to notify your collaborators of what they need to care about when they look at the cell.

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How to add a note to a cell in Google Sheets

With shortcut

1. Select a cell in which you want to insert a note.
2. Press “Shift”+”F2”, which brings up a text box.
3. Type texts in the text box.
4. Click somewhere outside of the text box.’

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Without shortcut -1 

1. Select a cell in which you want to insert a note.
2. Right-click → “Insert note”.
3. Type texts in the text box.
4. Click somewhere outside of the text box.

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Without shortcut - 2

1. 1. Select a cell in which you want to insert a note.
2. Navigate to the “Insert” tab → “Note”.
3. Type texts in the text box.
4. Click somewhere outside of the text box.

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You see a small black triangle at the top right corner of the cell if the note is inserted successfully.

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How do you show a note in Google Sheets?

It is very simple. The note automatically pops up when you hover or put your cursor on a cell containing a note.

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How to edit an existing note in Google Sheets

You can edit an existing note by double-clicking the cell containing the current note. If you want to expand the text box, left-click the stripe at the bottom right of the text box and drag it until you get enough space for your texts.

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How to delete a note in Google Sheets

Method 1

1. Double-click the cell including the note you want to remove.
2. Delete all texts in the text box
3. Click somewhere outside of the text box.

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Method 2

1. Right-click on a cell with a note, which brings a pop-up menu.
2. Select “Delete notes“.

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What's the difference between a comment and a note in Google Sheets?

A comment and a note are common because both can leave some texts in a text box. However, a comment is functionally superior to a note. The difference between a comment and a note is as follows: with a comment function, you can 

1. tag someone;
2. assign a comment as a task to someone;
3. tell who left the comment
4. save a thread in the comment history
5. re-open a saved conversation if necessary
6. reply to a comment another collaborator left; and
7. check previous interaction

In conclusion, you can use the two functions well, depending on your purpose.

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How do I add a comment to a cell in Google Docs?

Check this article to learn how to attach a comment to a cell in Google Sheets.