[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: WORD - View Side By Side Docs with Synchronous Scrolling

Tue Sep 16 15:31:23 PDT 2025

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See two Word or Excel docs at same time

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WORD - View Side By Side Docs with Synchronous Scrolling

Intermediate

[A screenshot shows menu options View Side by Side Synchronous Scrolling and Reset Window Position with small document and arrow icons under the Window menu section]

A few years ago, I was the secretary for an organization during the year of big bylaw changes! My job was to update the master document with all the revisions. That meant flipping between multiple drafts, double-checking every line, and making sure I didn’t miss a comma. It was stressful!

That’s when I discovered a feature in Word that saved me: View Side By Side with Synchronous Scrolling.

When you use this tool, you can place two open documents beside each other. Then, as you scroll in one, the other moves with it. This makes it much easier to compare line by line, catch small differences, and confirm everything is in the right place.

NOTE: While this same feature is found in Excel, it is only available in the desktop versions (not 365 Web, nor Google). However, below, we will show you a workaround you can use.

Why View Side by Side and Use Synchronous Scrolling?

There are a few times this feature comes in handy:
1.  A manual comparison that allows you to see differences side by side.
2.  Matching up two documents with similar sections, like lists or policies.
3.  Writing in one file while checking notes, drafts, or a source in the other. You won’t need to keep adjusting the scroll separately.

[Two Microsoft Word documents are open side by side on a computer screen both displaying similarly formatted bylaws with visible toolbars and formatting menus]
How to Set up the Synchronous Scrolling Feature

In a few steps, you can have Synchronous Scrolling between two Word Files:

1.  Open both documents in Word.
2.  Go to the View tab.
3.  In the Window group, click View Side by Side.
4.  You will be in one open document, so choose the other file you want to see.
5.  This will place the two files next to each other.
6.  Once they’re side by side, Synchronous Scrolling should already be active. (It shows as selected in grey.)
7.  If it isn’t, click the Window group again and choose Synchronous Scrolling. This will turn it on, and is also how you can turn it off.

[A screenshot shows menu options View Side by Side Synchronous Scrolling and Reset Window Position with small document and arrow icons under the Window menu section]

Workaround for Google and 365 Web

Here’s a practical way to mimic side-by-side view with synchronized scrolling in Google Sheets, even though it’s not built in:

 Two browser windows + manual alignment
1.  Open the same Google Sheet in two separate browser windows.
2.  Resize the windows side by side on your screen.
3.  Scroll manually in both windows.

This solution isn't automatic, but you can quickly match positions.

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Communications: Writing

Replacing vague pronouns

When editing your writing, one of the easiest improvements you can make is to spot and replace vague pronouns.

Words like it, they, them, and this can slip in unnoticed, but they often leave readers guessing. Clearer writing comes when you replace these tiny placeholders with the actual word or phrase they represent.

Why does this matter? Because clarity builds credibility. The more precise your writing, the more convincing and engaging it becomes. Pronouns are convenient... but that convenience can come at the expense of meaning.

Take a look at this example:

“This library program helps patrons see that they are more than book-borrowing spots. We believe they will discover new ways to learn, connect, and appreciate all the resources it offers.”

Who exactly is they? The patrons? libraries? The ambiguity makes the message weaker. Replacing they with the actual subject strengthens the sentence instantly.

Better version:

“This program helps patrons see that libraries are more than book-borrowing spots. We believe patrons will discover new ways to learn, connect, and appreciate all the resources the library offers.”

When you edit, read once for meaning and a second time just to catch pronouns. Ask yourself: “Do I know exactly who or what this refers to?” If not, rewrite. Your readers will thank you.

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