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Why can't I see "Edit Field" in the context menu on fields in my Word document?

Anonymous
2020-08-17T05:46:03+00:00

Hi there,

I have an existing document with a number of fields. When I right click I can see options for;

  • Update Field
  • Toggle Field Codes

but "Edit Field" isn't there so I am unable to edit any of the fields which is frustrating.

Why might this be?

I am running Microsoft Word for Mac version 16.40 

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435.6K Reputation points
2020-08-17T10:43:10+00:00

Please explain exactly what it is that you want to do. There is no "Edit Field" command.

Field data/results populate by drawing content from elsewhere, such as from the Record Source associated with the document or other sources based on the specific type of field. That content is not intended to be modified anywhere other than at the source. When the Field is Updated the content will reflect the new information.

If the Field needs to be modified [such as by adding or changing a Switch] it's a matter of displaying the Field Codes to edit the code as necessary. Revising the Field Code is done just like editing normal text then toggling off the display of the codes... updating the field then may be necessary depending on the type of field.

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 435.6K Reputation points
    2020-08-17T22:38:47+00:00

    Nope, not included in Mac Word.

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  2. Charles Kenyon 167.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-08-17T20:24:12+00:00

    There is such a command on the contextual menu in Word for Windows.

    When used, it opens the Insert Field dialog with the current settings. I do not know that this is available in the Mac interface, though.

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  3. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-08-17T17:05:15+00:00

    @ Waqas

    Thank you for replying promptly, but you really should learn how to use Microsoft Word before telling people to contact support about a feature that simply does not exist and never has.

    You can learn from Bob's thoughtful and correct reply. 

    Knowing how to use Word Fields is a fundamental feature of Microsoft Word. You can learn how to use Word Fields right along with Jeremy.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-08-17T09:48:45+00:00

    Hi JeremyGupta,

    I apologize for the inconvenience.

    As per your description, I have tested from my side Word version 16.40 and I also cannot see “Edit Field" option in the context menu when I right-click on field code.

    Regarding to this behavior we suggest you provide the feedback via Microsoft word app, to related team so that they can get notice about it. It’s the best way to report to related team and we are sure it will speed up this process. Your advice is very important to us. Refer to this article: How do I give feedback on Microsoft Office?

    I appreciate your patience and understanding.

    Best Regards

    Waqas Muhammad

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