33 min read
Document Automation
Quick Parts, fields, templates, and dynamic references.
Combine Quick Parts, fields, and templates
Next year's handbook should take an afternoon, not two weeks. James chains Quick Parts (address block), DATE fields on the cover, StyleRef in headers, and a .dotx template so structure regenerates consistently.
Insert → Quick Parts → Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery stores the signature block Helen uses on every letter.
Automated TOC and captions
References → Table of Contents → Automatic Table 1 pulls Heading 1–3. Add Insert Caption on tables/figures before generating Table of Figures.
Update everything before print: Ctrl+A, F9 — choose update entire table. Document properties (File → Info) feed cover fields like Title and Author.
Hands-on steps
Goal
Save a reusable cover address Quick Part and insert DATE on the handbook.
James Okonkwo adds this to NorthgateHandbook.docx as part of one polished student handbook, policy pack, and open-day collateral before families arrive.
Select address block
Where
Do this
You should see
- Address highlighted.
Verification
Check your work
You are correct if all of these are true:
- NorthgateAddress Quick Part appears in the gallery on a blank line test.
- Cover date field updates when you press F9.
- You can describe which parts are automated vs typed each year.
More lessons in Microsoft Word · Next: VBA & Macros · Previous: PowerPoint Integration