Arrow left
Back to guides
Google Sheets Tips

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.

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.’

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.
How to insert a note without a shortcut in Google Sheets

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.
How to add a note without a shortcut in Google Sheets

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

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.

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.

How to expand a text box for a note in Google Sheets

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.

Method 2

  1. Right-click on a cell with a note, which brings a pop-up menu.
  2. Select “Delete notes“.
How to delete a note in a cell in Google Sheets

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.

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.

Learn how to do this step-by-step in the video below 👇

Automate financial reporting with LiveFlow

Want to eliminate manual updates of your Excel & Google Sheets models?

Yes, show me how

Need help?

Our team is here to help you any time between 9am and 10pm EST.
Check Icon
Email us at: help@liveflow.io

Liked this article? Then you'll love the ones below