Tools to View Field Codes

You know you can use the Field Codes check box on the View tab of the Options dialog box to control whether or not field codes are displayed in your document. You may even know that you can use Alt+F9 to switch between field codes and their results. However, what if you are mouse-bound, and want to accomplish the same task quickly without resorting to the keyboard?

In versions of Word prior to Word 2007 you can add a tool to any toolbar you want that will toggle between field codes and field results. To add such a tool to your toolbar, follow these steps:

1. Choose Customize from the Tools menu. This displays the Customize dialog box.
2. Make sure the Commands tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. In the list of Categories, select View.
4. Select View Field Codes from the list of commands in the dialog box.
5. Use the mouse to drag the command (or button) from the dialog box to its new location on your toolbar. When you release the mouse button, a new icon appears on the toolbar.
6. Click on Close to dismiss the Customize dialog box.

If you are using Word 2007 then you can add the same tool to the Quick Access toolbar in this manner:

1. Click the Office button and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. At the left of the dialog box click Customize. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. In the list of Categories, select Commands Not in the Ribbon.
4. Scroll through the long list of commands and select View Field Codes from the list.
5. Click Add. The View Field Codes command now appears on the right side of the dialog box.
6. Click on Close to dismiss the Word Options dialog box.

Now, when you want to see your field coding, click on the new icon. Click again, and the results of the field codes are instead displayed.