When I add a word to the index of the book using Ribbon --> Reference, it turns on hidden codes and leaves them on. I have to Home and hit the Paragraph key to hide the codes.

Can I add to the index by key stroke?

Can I add to the dictionary by key stroke?

Thanks.

The reason Word displays nonprinting marks when you add an index entry is that index entry (XE) fields are formatted as hidden; Word is just trying to be helpful.

You can insert XE fields manually, if that's what you're asking. In the simplest case, the field has the following syntax: { XE "text here" }. To add the field delimiters, press Ctrl+F9; then type in the code. You'll have to read Help on field codes to learn more on XE field syntax. See http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/wo...133.aspx?CTT=1 (Field codes in Word).

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

But it is not helpful. I have to click on Home each time and turn them off.

Is there an option to stop it?

Older versions of Word didn't enable the display of hidden text, with the end result that the field disappeared (from view) after it had been inserted, which confused some users. That's why the change was made, I believe.

You can use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+* to turn off nonprinting marks quickly (acts as a toggle).

__________________
Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional