Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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: Referencing Fields in Another Document.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 19, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
Tierney is trying to link fields in two different documents. For example, in an application document the applicant enters their name, business, the initial date and several other simple pieces of information. She would like the information in these fields to automatically populate fields in a separate word document.
Perhaps the easiest way to accomplish this task is to use the INCLUDETEXT field. This field allows you to include text from one document in another. In Tierney's case, you begin by making sure that the text you want to include from the application document has bookmarks that define it. For instance, you could define a bookmark that notes the applicant's name (perhaps AppName) and another for the applicant's business (perhaps AppBusiness). If the application document is named Application.doc, then you could use the following field in the other document:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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:
{ INCLUDETEXT "c:\\myfolder\\Application.doc" AppName }
The field indicates the absolute path to the application document, along with the name of the bookmark that defines the text you want to include. (You should replace "myfolder" with the name of the folder in which Application.doc is stored.) Note, as well, that the path to the document must include double backslashes instead of single backslashes.
You can include as many bookmarked fields from the application document in the other documents as you want, just use a separate INCLUDETEXT field for each piece of information you want to reference.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10803) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Referencing Fields in Another Document.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Word keeps track of the date each time you save your document. If you want to insert that "save date" in your document, ...
Discover MoreIf you try to add a quote mark or a backslash as part of a field parameter or switch, you may be surprised at what you ...
Discover MoreIf you define a group of custom properties for a document, you may want a way to display the contents of those properties ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-11-25 09:52:16
Sharon
The only problem I see with using the INCLUDETEXT field is if you need to send the 2nd document to someone, I believe they would get an error message unless they had both documents and in the same directory name.
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