Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 2, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you have a series of existing documents for which you want to create a master document, Word makes the process very easy. For instance, you may have chapters for an employee manual, and each chapter is stored in its own Word document. To combine such chapters into a master document, follow these steps:
In Word 97, the Master Document view is very similar to the Outline view used in newer versions. If you would rather not work in Master Document or Outline view, you can choose any of the other views you desire. When you later save your master document, any changes to the subdocuments are also automatically saved. When you later open the master document, all the subdocuments are again opened and displayed as part of the master.
What you precisely do in step 4 depends on the version of Word you are using. If you are using Word 97, you use the Insert Subdocument tool on the Master Document toolbar. If you are using Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003, you use the Insert Subdocument tool on the Outlining toolbar.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1739) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Creating a Master Document Using Existing Subdocuments.
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2016-10-19 13:06:29
Lesli
I am trying to convert a word 2003 master and subdocument files into a word 2010 set of files. The hyperlinks exist but the file cannot be expanded to show the subdocument within the master.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
2016-03-08 11:55:49
Susan Goodine
I was wondering if I can create a document/form and then use the same document in other documents and when I make a change in the main document the changes will subsequently be changed in any documents that the original is used in.
Thanks.
2015-03-30 15:54:08
Fred
Is there a way to 'batch' all the subdocuments so I don't have to repeat the process of adding a single subdocument one at a time?
My example is I have a standard form with a photo / map. I have a 100 of them and would like them in a 'master document.' Do I have to insert 100 sub-documents until I have them all?
I tried to select the top file in the Insert Subdocument pop-up - and go to the bottom and press Shift for the last one (hoping it would select them all), but alas it didn't let me. Is repeating the process for each file my only option?
Best regards,
Fred.
2014-08-23 11:10:36
Toni
Thank you so much! I started writing a family history book and of course the chapters are out of order. I had thought I might copy and past them into a new document but I hesitate to do that. They contain a lot of pictures and Word doesn't always handle that the best. I'm unlearning the professional publishing software I know and trying to teach myself Word. This old dog isn't doing so well with the new tricks!
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