Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 11, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Brian knows he can insert, in his document, the FILENAME field with the /p switch; this inserts the path and filename under which the document is stored. He would like, however, to only insert the path without the actual filename.
There are two ways you can approach this problem. The first is to modify how you use the FILENAME field in your document. When you insert the field, it should look similar to the following. (If you can't see the field code, place the insertion point within the field result and press Shift+F9.)
{ FILENAME \p }
What you want to do is change the field code so it looks like this:
{ FILENAME \p \* MERGEFORMAT }
Now, collapse the field by making sure the insertion point is within the code and pressing F9. The field results should still show the full path, along with the filename. Select the file name and then format it as hidden text. Even if the field is updated, the filename will remain as hidden text. As you learn in other WordTips, you can turn off the display of hidden text and you can cause hidden text to not be printed.
The second approach is to use a macro to insert just the information you need. This approach becomes necessary if you are using hidden text for other purposes. The following is an example of a macro that will insert the path:
Sub PathOnly() With ActiveDocument If Len(.Path) = 0 Then .Save Selection.TypeText .Path & "\" End With End Sub
To use the macro, just put the insertion point where you want the path to appear and run it. If the document has not been saved (the only time the path length will be 0), then the user is prompted to save it. Because the macro inserts the path that is current when the macro is run, if you later change where the document is stored, you'll need to delete the old path from the document text and then run the macro again.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (394) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Inserting a Document's Path.
Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!
Word allows you to insert simple formulas, using fields, in table cells. You can also create simple conditional ...
Discover MoreWant to copy a field code and paste it in some other Windows program? This can be trickier than it sounds. Here's the ...
Discover MoreOne of the most powerful and versatile fields you can use in Word is the SEQ field. This tip shows how you can use the ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments