Field codes

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm using field codes in Word to create a semi-automated document. I have the following 3 bookmarks:

Client1FirstName

Client2FirstName

ClientSurname

On the title page of the document I have the following 3 field codes:

{FILLIN "Enter First Name of Client 1" \* MERGEFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

{FILLIN "Enter First Name of Client 2" \* MERGEFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

{FILLIN "Enter Last Name of Client" \* MERGEFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

On opening the document I get 3 popup windows where I enter the first names of the 2 clients and the last name which is the same for both clients. The information entered is then populated in other areas of the document using the following field codes:

{REF Client1FirstName \* CHARFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

{REF Client2FirstName \* CHARFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

{REF ClientSurname \* CHARFORMAT \* MERGEFORMAT }

This is all working as expected because I have the 3 FILLIN fields (as mentioned above) on the title page. The problem is that I want further popup windows to occur on opening of the document but I don't want the information to appear on the title page, ie. only on subsequent pages in the document.

I'm not sure how to go about this but wondered if anyone could give me any advice?

Would really appreciate any help.

Answer 1

I'm using field codes in Word to create a semi-automated document.

...

This is all working as expected because I have the 3 FILLIN fields (as mentioned above) on the title page. The problem is that I want further popup windows to occur on opening of the document but I don't want the information to appear on the title page, ie. only on subsequent pages in the document.

I'm not sure how to go about this but wondered if anyone could give me any advice?

If you want to stick with something like your current approach, you could have FILLIN fields on the later pages, too, and use Ctrl-A, F9 to force Word to display their prompts upon opening. Alternatively, you could use ASK fields on the first page, with cross-references to their bookmarks later in the document; in that case, you have the option of using Ctrl-A, F9 or of selecting the ASK field bookmarks and pressing F9 to get them to update. 

PS: You should probably delete your \* CHARFORMAT  & \* MERGEFORMAT switches. The \* MERGEFORMAT switch is generally not needed at all - there is never any need to have two of them in a field! - and you'd only need a \* CHARFORMAT switch if you're also formatting the 'R' in 'REF' to force the field to display its output in a different format to that of the surrounding text. In either case, you shouldn't use \* CHARFORMAT  & \* MERGEFORMAT switches in the same field.

Answer 2

Hi gwnh,

The Userform tutorial provided by Doug is based on Word 2010 (Windows environment). Since you are a Mac user, I don't think this method can work on your side.

I would recommend you refer to macropod's suggestion directly.

Regards,

Alex Chen

Answer 3

Thanks Doug and Macropod for the information.

My VBA knowledge is quite limited but I'd still like to have a try at it but may need to go back to my original plan (using Macropod's information) if I fail.

Doug: I had a quick look at the links you gave but just have a couple of questions if that's ok:

1. Can I create this userform using Word on a Mac? If yes, then how would I install Microsoft Windows Common Control-2-6-0 (SP3) in the resource library in order to use the DateAndTimePicker control? The instructions are for Windows only so I'm not sure how to go about it for a Mac.
2. If I do create this on a Mac and the end user is on a Windows computer, will it still work?

Thanks again for the information.

Answer 4

Instead of using FILLIN fields, use a UserForm in the template

See the following pages of Greg Maxey's website :

http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/Create\_and\_employ\_a\_UserForm.htm

http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/Populate\_UserForm\_ListBox.htm