Cascading changes in a Word Document 1

[ermedic]

I need to create a Word document that can be modified by end users. What I need to have happen is when the modify a field in the beginning of the document, let's say their company name for example, that change cascades throughout the document.

Does anyone know how to do that?

 

[DPlank]

Think you'd need to use VBA to manage this. I'd suggest reposting the thread in Forum707.

Probably needs a userform to accept the details and then the word doc could be cycled through, replacing the standard names with those entered in the form.

Cheers,
Dave

Probably the only Test Analyst on Tek-Tips...therefore whatever it was that went wrong, I'm to blame...

animadverto vos in Abyssus!

Take a look at Forum1393!

 

[TonyJollans]

Hi ermedic,

What sort of field are they modifying? If it's a FormField it has a name (actually a bookmark name) and you can have as many REF fields as you like which take the value from it - Insert > Field should allow you to set it up - and make sure the FormField is set to calculate on exit. If it's some other sort of field please post back.

Enjoy,
Tony

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We want to help you; help us to do it by reading this: Before you ask a question.
Excel VBA Training and more Help at VBAExpress[

 

[fumei]

FormFields would certain be one way. If I understand correctly, you are asking about some sort of conditional logic. The value of a certain location changes the values of other locations. That can be done (although there are other ways) by the user of FormFields. See my FAQ on this in this section.

faq68-5299

Gerry
See my Paintings and Sculpture

 

[ermedic]

When I said "field" I really shouldn't have. Basically I have a word document that fellow employees use as a template. I want them to be able to make a change in the document in one spot and have that change be made automatically in several spots. For instance, a document that has the recipients name all throughout the document. I want the employee to be able to change that name in one spot, and have that name change all throughout the document.

So..if I understand a previous post, I have to make this a "field" and then reference that field all through the document? What kind of field do I make it and how do I reference it?

 

[fumei]

You don't state what version you are using. Here is how to do exactly what you want in Word 2002 (XP).

1. make the original location a text formfield. Views > Toolbars > Forms. This brings up the Forms toolbar, and the Text formfield is the left most.

2. right click the formfield and select Properties.

3. check Calculate on exit.

4. in the Name field, given the formfield a specific understandable name. Short, no spaces. You can use the default "Text1" if you like. I thimk it is always a good idea to give tjings specific name. If you are going to use more than one formfield - definitley give it a specific name.

4. formfields are, by default, shaded. If you want to have it NOT shaded so it looks like (on screen) the same as other text, click the FormField shading icon on the toolbar.

5. Ok, now, ANYWHERE you like, and as many times as you want, press Ctrl-F9. This makes two curly brackets. Do NOT type the brackets. You must press Ctrl-F9.

6. in the brackets type the name of the formfield.

To repeat, say the formfield name is Client. Press Ctrl-F9 and type Client.

That's it. You can do this as much as you want. Whatever is entered into the original formfield is automatically updated where ever you have those curly brackets (a Field) and the name of the formfield.

NOTES: you must protect the document for forms. You can do this on the Forms toolbar.

If you need the document to be edited, separate the part with the formfield by Continuous Sections (Insert > Break > Continuous Section). FormFields only Calculate if the Section they are in is protected. Protected Sections can NOT be edited or changed in any way. So if required, separate document parts with Continuous sections. You can select which section to protect by Tools > Protect document, select Forms, then chopose which section to protect.

If you need further assistance, post back.

Gerry
See my Paintings and Sculpture

 

[BlueHorizon]

Hi,
Have you tried using Mail Merge fields to accomplish this?
HTH,

Best,
Blue Horizon

http://www.bluehorizontraining.com