How to Insert Fields in Your Word 2010 Document

Word 2010 has a way to let you add dynamic (changing) elements to your document. You can insert fields, which are tidbits that can change, in a Word document, depending on a number of factors. The fields are updated as your document or its characteristics change. Here's an example of how to make fields work:

1  In your Word document, type: This document is .

Be sure to type a space after the word is.

2  Choose Quick Parts→Field from the Insert tab’s Text group.

The left side of the Field dialog box contains scrolling lists of categories in the Field Names list. These categories represent various changing items you can insert into your document.

3 In the Field dialog box, choose the FileSize item.

Additional options appear on the right side of the dialog box. For this example, however, you don’t need to choose any of those options.

4  Click the OK button.

The document’s file size in bytes is inserted as text in your document. It’s not really text, though: It’s a field. The amount changes when your document is edited and saved.

5   Type another space, and then type: bytes in size.

The text you end up with might look something like this: This document is 58368 bytes in size. The number of bytes you see reflects the size of your document.

6  To adjust a field, right-click the field and choose Edit Field from the pop-up menu that appears.

The Field dialog box is redisplayed, allowing you to make modifications to the field.

7  To ensure that the field displays up-to-date information, right-click it and choose the Update Field command from the pop-up menu that appears.

 

 For example, the File-Size field can be updated after you save your document, but the new value appears only when you use the Update Field command.

8  If you want to erase a field, select that field and press Backspace.

 The field's text is also erased.