Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 9, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Kristen has a document that uses fields extensively. A lot (but not all) of those fields are DATE fields. She can convert each field to text manually using Ctrl+Shift+F9, but she would like a way to convert all of the DATE fields at once without disturbing the other fields.
The easiest way to do this is to use a macro. Fortunately, Word makes all the fields in a document available in the Fields collection, and you can use your macro to step through each of those. Here's an example:
Sub UnlinkDateFields()
Dim aField As Field
Dim lNum As Long
lNum = 0
For Each aField In ActiveDocument.Fields
If Left(Trim(aField.Code), 4) = "DATE" Then
aField.Unlink
lNum = lNum + 1
End If
Next aField
MsgBox lNum & " DATE fields converted to text"
End Sub
Note that the .Code property of the field is examined, which is what you see when you look at the field code within your document. If the left four characters of the .Code property is equal to "DATE", then the .Unlink method is invoked, which converts the field to text. The macro keeps a count of how many fields were converted and then, when finished, displays a message box that shows the total.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6016) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
People don't normally think of using fields to do any calculations. Even so, you can use fields to perform a simple ...
Discover MoreFields are a powerful way to add dynamic content to your documents. Some fields rely on the use of parameters to control ...
Discover MoreYou can use a few bookmarks and an equation field to add a dynamic total anywhere in your document. Once in place, you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-12-11 10:10:02
Andrew
Instead of -- Left(Trim(aField.Code), 4) = "DATE" --
why not check for -- aField.Type = wdFieldDate?
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