Fields are basically placeholders you use in your Word documents for data that needs to be changed in an otherwise standard file. For example, you might have a form letter that you use on a regular basis. While the bulk of the letter itself would not change, you do need to change things such as the date and recipient's information. Once you learn how to insert fields you will probably find many ways to make your life easier by using them!
Instructions
- 1
Open the document in which you want to insert a field. Or you can open a new, blank document and start from scratch. Click on the space where you want your field, so that your cursor is right in the spot where you want your field to appear.
2Click "Insert" on the toolbar and then click "Field". The "Field" dialog box will open. On the left-hand side of the dialog, you will notice that under "Please Choose a Field" there is a "Category" drop down. If you know the category of the field you want to insert, choose it from the drop-down menu. Otherwise, choose "All".
3Click on a field in the "Field Names" box. In the "Field Properties" section, you will be shown what field properties are available for this field, if any. For example, if you choose the "Date" field, you will see that you have multiple options for the format of that field, such as "Month, Day, Year" or "Time and Date". Choose the format you want for the field you are using.
4Look at the "Field Options" area on the right-hand side of the dialog. If there are any options available for your field, they will be listed there for you to choose. For example, the "Date" field offers different calendars from which you can choose.
5Check the "Description" under the list of "Field Names" if you are unsure as to what a certain field does. When you select that field, a description will be presented to you.
6Click "OK" when you have chosen the field you want to insert and any properties or options. Save the changes to your document, so that the next time the document is used the fields will be available.
