To remove field codes in Word 365 and convert them to static text, you need to select the document content and then use a specific keyboard shortcut.
Understanding Field Codes in Word
Field codes are instructions that tell Word to insert specific information into your document. They are commonly used for things like page numbers, table of contents entries, mail merge data, cross-references, dates, and more.
When you see { PAGE } or { TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u } instead of the actual page number or table of contents, you are viewing the field code rather than the field result. Pressing ALT + F9 toggles between viewing field codes and field results for the whole document.
Why Remove Field Codes?
Removing field codes essentially "unlinks" the dynamic information and replaces it with the current, static result. This is often done when you need to send a final version of a document where the information (like cross-references or dates) should no longer update automatically, or if you want to prevent recipients from easily changing dynamic elements.
Removing Field Codes: Step-by-Step
Based on the provided reference, the method to remove field codes involves selecting everything and then converting the fields to static text.
Here are the steps:
- Select All Content: To remove field codes from the entire document, press CTRL-A to select all of the text in your document. This ensures that all fields, no matter where they are located, are included in the process.
- Unlink Fields: Then press CTRL-SHIFT-F9 to remove the field codes. This shortcut specifically converts all selected fields into their current static results, effectively "unlinking" them from their code instructions.
That's it! The dynamic fields will be replaced by the text or numbers they were displaying at that moment.
Important Note: This action is generally irreversible with a simple undo for all fields at once. Once converted to static text, fields like page numbers or cross-references will no longer automatically update if you change the document's content or structure.
Quick Reference Table
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Select All | CTRL + A |
Selects all content in the document. |
| Unlink All Fields | CTRL + SHIFT + F9 |
Converts selected fields to static text. |
By following these steps, you can efficiently remove field codes from your Word 365 document, converting dynamic content into fixed text.
