Inserting a Dynamic Line Count

by Allen Wyatt
(last updated January 4, 2020)

Barry can use fields to insert document information such as the number of characters, words, and pages in a document. He wonders if there is a field (or some other way) to dynamically insert the number of lines in a document.

All of the document information cited by Barry (characters, words, and pages) are inserted into a document using fields. These fields are dynamic in that they can be updated in various ways and at various times. (The way fields are updated has been covered in numerous other WordTips.)

To answer Barry's question directly, it is possible to insert the number of lines into your document using a field. Here's how:

Position the insertion point where you want to insert the value of the custom property.
Make sure the Insert tab of the ribbon is displayed.
Click the Quick Parts tool in the Text group. You'll see a list of options.
Choose Field. Word displays the Field dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Field dialog box.

In the list of Categories, choose Document Information.
In the list of Field Names, choose DocProperty.
In the Property list, scroll down and choose the Lines option.
Click on OK. Word inserts the number of lines in your document.

You should understand that there can be lots of "fudge factor" when it comes to counting lines in a document. The reason for this has to do with the content of your document and how you have it formatted. Greg Maxey provides a great discussion (and some solutions) about line count issues at his website:

https://gregmaxey.com/word_tip_pages/count_lines_of_text.html

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13720) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365.

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. Learn more about Allen...

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