Working with fields

Sometimes, the content you want in a document might be more dynamic. For example, you might want the filename in the footer of a document. If you rename or move the file, you would want the footer updated automatically.

One of the most useful ways to create dynamic documents is to use fields. Fields are "codes" that Word uses to create certain types of content.

To insert a field into a document:

1. Choose Insert → Field.

   The Field dialog box appears.

   

2. Select a field category from the Categories drop-down list.
3. Select a field from the Field names list.
4. The options available to you will depend on the type of field you selected. You will typically have options regarding formatting and other behaviors of the field. Click Field Codes then click the Options button to see additional options for the field.
5. When you have finished selecting, configuring, and formatting the field, click OK.

Working with fields in a document

• When you select a field in a document, the field appears as a shaded box.
• Fields do not update automatically.
• To update a field, right-click the field and choose Update Field.
• Fields will update automatically before you print a document. This behavior can be modified by choosing Tools ? Options ? Print.

  Alternatively, select the field and press F9, the keyboard shortcut for Update Field.

  To update multiple fields, select a range of text (or press Ctrl+A to select all) and press F9.
• Right-click a field and choose Toggle Field Codes. The field will appear. To return to the field results, or content, choose Toggle Field Codes again.
• Right-click a field and choose Edit Field to return to the Field dialog box to configure the field.