How do I stop highlighted text from printing in Word documents?

Just clarifying, you want the highlighting to not print, but want the text that is highlighted to print?

Stefan has given you the simplest method.

You use a macro to toggle that setting.

Sub HighlightingToggle()

'

' HighlightingToggle Macro

' Charles Kenyon

' Toggles display and printing of highlighting

' https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-highlighted-text-from-printing-in/dafbd840-0c43-441a-883f-f1d7fa62a256

' Does not change Shading!

'

    ActiveWindow.View.ShowHighlight = Not ActiveWindow.View.ShowHighlight

End Sub

You could attach a keyboard shortcut or QAT icon to this macro if you wanted to do so.

Resources:

• Instructions for Installing Macros from Forums or Websites by Graham Mayor, MVP
• Install/Employ VBA Procedures (Macros) by Greg Maxey
• Assigning Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word 2007-2024 (365)
• Modifying the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Word

This setting is persistent and is for all Word documents, not just the current one.

I recommend toggling back to display of highlighting once you have printed.

You could also add the following macro to your Normal.dotm template:

Sub AutoOpen()

'

' Display highlighting

' Charles Kenyon

' Turns on display and printing of highlighting when document is opened

' https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-highlighted-text-from-printing-in/dafbd840-0c43-441a-883f-f1d7fa62a256

' 

    ActiveWindow.View.ShowHighlight = True

End Sub

A manual approach is to clear the option to "Show highlighter marks" immediately before printing, and then select the option again after printing.