One of the most convenient ways to enter or edit the metadata for a Word document is to use the Document Information Panel (DIP). It’s also very easy for a user to accidentally (or sometimes on purpose) to hide the Document Information Panel. To close the Documents Information Panel, simply click on the “X” to close it as shown here.

Unfortunately, once the DIP has been closed, it’s not so obvious how to show the DIP again. However, it’s not difficult to open the DIP either. Simply click on File > Info > Properties > Show Document Panel.

There you have it, 4 simple clicks to show the Document Information Panel in Word 2010.