Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 17, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
When you use an index field in your document you can indicate how you want Word to separate the index entry (or subentry) from the page number references or cross-references when it actually creates the index. This is done by adding the \e switch to your index field. You can use up to three characters for the separator, in the following manner:
\e "sep"
where sep represents the characters to use as the separator. For instance, if you use the following index field:
{index \e ": "}
Word, when compiling the index, will translate index entries to the following:
Widgets: 32, 38, 92
Notice that the index entry (Widgets) is separated from the page references by a colon and a space—exactly what was specified after the \e switch.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6280) 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: Specifying an Index Entry Separator.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
When you add an envelope to a document, Word adds it to the beginning of the document. Printing just the envelope can be ...
Discover MoreWord allows you to print return addresses on your envelopes. You may run across a scenario where the return address is ...
Discover MoreWhen you create a letter, you may want to have Word print a single envelope for that letter. You can do so by following ...
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