Auto-populate fields in Word

Question

Does anyone know how to auto-populate fields in Word?  For example, I want to use someone's name and job title several times in a word document and don't want to have to type it in each time, for every new name and document.  Thank you.

Answer 1

You want to use the cross reference feature:

• Select the text you want to copy
• Insert tab > Links group > click on Bookmark
• enter a descriptive name for the bookmark, ie Customer_Name, Job_title
• Click on the Add button

To use the bookmarked text:

• Insert tab > Links group > click on Cross_reference
• Select "Bookmark" from Reference Type drop down
• make sure Insert Reference to says "Bookmark Text"
• select the required bookmark name from the list
• click on Insert button
• click on close button

In File menu > Options command >Advanced option > Document Content section:

(Optional) Make sure that "Show Bookmarks" is turned on

(Optional) make sure that Field shading is set to "Always".

With those 2 options you can more easily identify where bookmarks are cross references exist ie;

"Show bookmarks" puts the braces around the words (marked with yellow highlight).

"Field shading always" makes the cross referenced text display in the grey box (marked with green arrow) <geeky grin for green arrow>

Answer 2

See:

http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word_tip_pages/repeating_data.html

Answer 3

See:

http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word\_tip\_pages/repeating\_data.html

Or, if you want a hyperlink...

Repeating Data (Populating Multiple Like Fields)

Answer 4

I believe I have the newest version of Word, and this still doesn't seem to be working for me. 

I tried youtube videos and other sites from searching. 

Wondering if someone has this perhaps to explain a little better?

By changing this to a bookmark, it works, yes. However, I am wanting this similar to a template where people can come in and change that 'bookmark' to something different each time, and it be changed throughout the whole document.

Answer 5

Instead of using bookmarks, use form fields or content controls; these other options are also explained in Greg's article.