How to Create Custom Fields in Word
Whenever I write school papers or other written work that specifies a set number of words as a requirement, I use the Quick Parts Field option to add a counter to the top of the document that keeps track of the words typed. This is a supplement to the word counter located at the bottom left portion of the Word 2007 application. Those who do not have Word 2007 will find this to be a useful tool. Aside from providing a word counter, the Field option allows for page count, auto numbering, database fields access, and many other customizable fields. The guide below will walk you through the simple process of inserting a word count field in a Word document. Hopefully this will help you become familiarized with this useful tool. If have any interesting implementations of the Quick Parts Field option please share them by commenting below.
Note: I used Windows Vista and Word 2007 for this article
1. With Microsoft Word open, click on the Insert tab and click on Quick Parts > Field…
2. Scroll down field list and select DocProperty, then click on Words listed under Field properties, click OK.
3. A number with a gray background will appear, right-click on the number and select Update Field from the menu to update the word count in your document.
Note: If you already have text, then the field’s count should match the number of words in your document.
I highlighted the Field displaying word count above for emphasis, normally the background unless selected will match the document’s background color.. To update the count again repeat step #3.
Hi Kousik Sankar,
Its a pain but it is possible…
1) Office Button –> Prepare–>Properties
2) From the ‘Document Properties’ drop down hit ‘Advanced Properties’.
3) Navigate the ‘Custom’ pane (property page).
4) Add a new prop called ‘Version’ and give it the appropriate value.
5) Hit Ok
6) Hit the Insert toolbar–>Quick Parts–>Field
7) Select the field name ‘Doc Property’
Cheers.
I could’t t found quick parts – create filed in word 2010 started edition
Hi Gil,
I want to create a ‘Version’ field and I want it to work as follows:- I write a version number (say 1.0) in a particular location in the document and I need the same version to be reflected in 20 different locations in the document. So, if the version number changes in the future to 2.0, then all I need to do is change that one location and automatically , the 20 other locations change to 2.0. Is this possible in Word 2007 and if yes, how can I do it ? Thanks, Kousik.
Hey,
I am looking at doing something very specific with document properties. I have a Document Property called “Document Status” which has the following states: Archived | Published | Draft.
Putting the Document Property into a text box, then into the header gives me a very good watermark (after formatting) which updates automatically.
Problem is, if the Document Property is Published, then this does not need to show, only Draft and Archived.
Any ideas? I know I can use IF statements for fields but not Doc properties?
KingVerdejo,
I would defer you to the Office Forums – http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/officeword I don’t know of a way to accomplish what you are looking for. Hope the resource helps.
What if I want a field that will be autmatically filled with the name of the file but without the extension. I would like to do this in the footer. eg the file name is filename.docx and the footer would show
filename – 1
etc.
I think my message got hosed… there was a lot more content in it.
Feel free to repost…thanks for the tip.
>> SOLUTION < Quick Parts > Field > DocProperty > (whatever you named your field).
TA-Dah!!!
If you have any questions feel free to email me. vespertinne at hot-mail… I am a technical writer by trade. Please let me know if I can help.
If these instructions are not perfect, forgive me. I think they are close at least. I just followed them and I was able to create several custom fields.
All the best,
Naiya
How is this a custom field? It’s just a field…
A custom field would actually be useful which is what I was looking for!
@Eric – You are correct, but this is what Microsoft calls it….
Hey, im looking for a way to create my own custom fields.
Like I want to set a field named “Objectives” and “Importance”
@Andrew – Not sure if you can, I tried doing it and nothing. Have you tried making your own formulas? Use the =(Formula)…let me know if you need help.
You make it look so easy and so obvious
Thank you for this visual tutorial, you’re really a true lifesaver!