Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Inserting Fields.

Inserting Fields

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated December 26, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021


1

Word provides a powerful capability to insert special information in your documents through the use of fields. There are a number of fields that are available within Word and are covered in other issues of WordTips. Inserting a field in your document is very easy; you can use the following methods:

  • Display the Insert tab of the ribbon. In the Text group, click Quick Parts and then choose Field. From the resulting dialog box select the field name from those available. When you click your mouse on OK, the field you requested is inserted in your document.
  • Press Ctrl+F9. (This is the easiest method, regardless of your version of Word.)

Either of these methods will work, but the second method only inserts a pair of field brackets—you must enter the information and keywords for the actual field. The other method provides a more user-friendly method of inserting fields.

While the first method works fine for inserting single fields, it won't work properly if you want to insert a field within a field. To nest fields (put one field inside another), you must use the Ctrl+F9 shortcut key to enter the field within the other field.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6203) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Inserting Fields.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Converting List Types

There are two types of common lists you can create in Word: bulleted lists and numbered lists. You can switch between the ...

Discover More

Using Data Forms

Lots of people prefer to enter information directly into Excel, but there is another way that may be helpful: Using data ...

Discover More

Adding Spaces in Front of Capital Letters

Got some text that is "run together" and needs spaces inserted to improve readability? There are a variety of approaches ...

Discover More

Do More in Less Time! Are you ready to harness the full power of Word 2013 to create professional documents? In this comprehensive guide you'll learn the skills and techniques for efficiently building the documents you need for your professional and your personal life. Check out Word 2013 In Depth today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Understanding Default DATE Field Formatting

The DATE field is one of the most commonly used fields for placing dynamic information in your document. It is helpful to ...

Discover More

Inserting the Total Number of Characters in Your Document

One of the things that Word keeps track of regarding your document is the number of characters it contains. Using the ...

Discover More

Assigning a Macro to a Button in Your Text

One way you can access macros is through the use of a button, added directly into the text of your document. This is done ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is one minus 0?

2021-11-25 03:44:04

Nizar

Please , I'm using word office professional plus 2019 version 2108 (Build 143320201) for me the ( Field codes) in quick parts for some categories like Eq. category is gray out and not active , Please any help


This Site

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.

Videos
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.