Inserting Dynamic Files without affecting table of contents

Question

I would like to add a dynamic file to the Appendix section of a parent (main) file while still maintaining the heading structure of the main file.

I have 2 files.

File 1 is the Parent (a template)

File 2 is the child or reference file.  This file is updated regulary.

What I would like to do is open file 1 at any point in time and it will then pull in file 2 into the appendix section automatically.

Now when it pulls it into the appendix, I don't want it to show up as an icon or a link but the full file that is readable on screen, inclusive of all pages.  I also don't want to have the headers of this inserted or imported file alter the table of contents of the parent file.

Is this possible?

Answer 1

In file 1, insert a bookmark that surrounds the part of the file to which the TOC applies, but not the appendix. You may want to include just the appendix's main heading, if that belongs in the table of contents.

Edit the TOC field that creates the table of contents, to add the "switch" \b followed by the name of the bookmark you added. That will limit the TOC field to entries from inside the bookmark,

For a description of the TOC field switches, see http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/field-codes-toc-table-of-contents-field-HP005186201.aspx That applies to all versions of Word from 2003 and later.

Answer 2

Hmm, it works when I try it.

Are you certain that the bookmark does not include the appendix text? (It helps to go into the Options dialog's Display page and turn on the Show Bookmarks option. They appear as gray square brackets.)

How are you inserting the appendix text? Are you using the Insert as Link item from the down arrow on the Insert button in the Insert File dialog, or an IncludeText field from the Fields dialog? You shouldn't see the link unless all fields are toggled to codes by Alt+F9, or that specific one by Shift+F9.

Answer 3

Thanks Jay.

So, I tried this but it didn't work.  It still populated the TOC. 

Here's what I changed the field code to

TOC \b ovc

ovc is the name of the bookmark.

I'm also noticing that after I insert the child document into the appendix, save then close down the master document, the child document turns into a link when i open the master file again.

Answer 4

Hi there.

Thank you for your reply.

Unfortunately I cannot provide sample files as they contain very sensitive information (this is a business/work master document).

I know this makes things more difficult.

Basically, file 1 is the master file or document and file 2 needs to go into the master file's appendix automatically, without affecting the table of contents when the TOC is updated.  Automatically means, when the file 2 is updated anytime in the future.  We don't want to keep adding the file to the Master document whenever that file 2 is updated.

As far as what we need...we just need the content of file 2 added to the appendix of the master file but not as a link but as texts and tables however, we don't want the headings from file 2 to show up in the TOC of the master file.

I've tried inserting the file and have tried using Master documents or Outline View>Insert but it doesn't work.

I hope this helps and again, I apologize for not being able to provide the files.

Answer 5

Can you provide sample files and a brief explanation on what you need in those files?