Renaming a Document

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 9, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

There is no intrinsic command within Word that allows you to rename documents or files, as there is in some other programs. It is true that you can simply save a document out under a new name, but that results in two files on your drive instead of one. You can use the following steps to rename a document quickly and easily, all within Word:

Make sure the document you want to rename is not loaded into Word. (Close it if it is loaded.)
Click on the Open tool on the toolbar or choose Open from the File menu. You will see the Open dialog box.
In the list of files contained in the dialog box, right-click on the one you want to rename. This displays a Context menu for the document.
Choose Rename from the Context menu. The document name is highlighted, and you have the opportunity to change the name.
Once the document name is changed, press Enter.
Close the Open dialog box by clicking on Cancel.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1115) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Triggering an Event when a Worksheet is Deactivated

One way you can use macros in a workbook is to have them automatically triggered when certain events take place. Here's ...

Discover More

Sorting Text

Word makes it easy to sort the information that is contained in your document. Here's how to accomplish this.

Discover More

What Line Am I On?

At the bottom of your document, on the status bar, Word allows you to include an indicator of the line on which your ...

Discover More

Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!

More WordTips (menu)

Saving Everything

Need to force users to save their work? It may be as simple as implementing a couple of macros that get a bit more ...

Discover More

Using Header Information as the Filename

Save a document for the first time, and Word helpfully suggests a filename you can use or change. If you want this ...

Discover More

Removing All File Properties

Want to get rid of any properties you've created for a document? You can do so by using the short macro described in this ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is six less than 9?

2024-03-09 05:12:25

Ian Hills

Dear Allen
I think I have discovered a way to change the name of a Word document with the document file open (I find it more convenient not to close the file first). I have only tried it on Word for Mac, so I don't know if it works with other versions.

With the document you want to rename open:
1. Right click on the title of the document displayed in the grey area at the very top. This will display the filepath as a drop down.
2, Left click on the first item in the filepath list. This will display a dialog box containing the list of files in that filepath.
3.Right click on the file you want to rename and select 'rename' in the dropdown.
4.Change the name and press enter.
5.Close the dialog box. This returns you to the open document. After you make any change to that document the new filename appears in the grey area at the top of the page.

I hope you find this useful.
Ian

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.