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Fields — Dynamic Document Engine
Field codes, PAGE, DATE, STYLEREF, nested fields, update and lock behaviour.
What a field is
A field is a placeholder Word evaluates — shown as grey when selected, or as { DATE } when you toggle field codes (Alt+F9).
Common handbook fields:
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| DATE | Cover issued date |
| PAGE / NUMPAGES | Page X of Y footers |
| STYLEREF | Running header with current Heading 1 text |
| TOC | Table of contents |
| SEQ | Caption numbering |
| REF / PAGEREF | Cross-references |
| DOCPROPERTY | Title, author from File → Info |
Update: select field → F9. Whole document: Ctrl+A, F9. Lock field: select → Ctrl+F11 prevents update (use sparingly).
Page X of Y without typing
Footer construction:
- Insert → Page Number (optional positioning)
- Type Page → Insert → Quick Parts → Field → Page
- Type of → Field → NumPages
Result: Page 3 of 48 updates when pages are added. Typed Page 3 of 48 does not.
STYLEREF for running headers
Running header showing current chapter name:
Insert → Quick Parts → Field → StyleRef → Heading 1 → Insert context of paragraph before current location options as needed.
Requires real Heading 1 styles in body — another reason manual bold fails.
When fields look wrong
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| TOC page numbers wrong | Headings not styled; fields stale | Fix styles; F9 |
| Error! Bookmark not defined | Source deleted | Restore caption/bookmark |
| Date field shows old date | Field locked or not updated | F9; unlock Ctrl+Shift+F11 |
| STYLEREF blank | No Heading 1 on page | Apply heading styles |
Print Update Fields: File → Options → Display → Update fields before printing — safety net for James Okonkwo on open-day eve.
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