New question:

I have a Word document with the style I like:


1.) Single space
2.) Font: Microsoft Sans Serif 11
3.) Borders: 0.5"

Now I have the footer set up with:
1.) File name
2.) Date, in this format . . . 12/16/20 9:38:38 AM
3.) Page number

My current question is:
I use this Word document as a template (there's nothing in it).
I grab a copy of it, and I'm ready-to-go.

I see that it gives the document the current date and time, when you open it.

. . . but, the file name is not dynamic
. . . it does not change, when you change the file name

. . . is there a way for it to update this itself?
. . . or does this have to be done manually?

Moderator's note: I split your new question off. You should start a new thread with a new question. Prior solved question.

Do not just tag another question on in a thread, even if it is your own thread.

That way you will get the best answers and others using the site can more easily find your questions and the resolutions when they have a similar question.


You should use templates not "Word documents as templates." Word has a specific file type for templates. Use it. Templates in Microsoft Word

The filename is likely a field. It can be updated by going to print preview in most cases.

You should use the CreateDate field in your templates rather than the Date field. Using Date Fields in Microsoft Word
Here is more about page numbers: Page Numbers in Word 2007-2019 (365)

Hello. Thank you very much for this info!


. . . lots of reading to do for something basic, though . . . IMO, this should not be


Wouldn't it be good to have a simple tutorial, that just says what to click on, that would satisfy the needs of 99% of the people (like how I wrote it out on my other post) . . . then if someone wants to know more, then they can read the book . . . I'll take a stab at this though, thanks!


I think a useful tutorial would start with a basic example, like I wrote (just use a word doc, and throw in the fields, explain how the file name cannot be dynamic), then it could go to level 2 of complexity (templates - where the file name could be dynamic, maybe there's not much difference using them).

It is extremely difficult to write a clear set of instructions on which buttons to click on. Microsoft keeps moving them around and changing their names. It is better to deal in concepts and the controls that implement those concepts.

• How to Create a Template by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
• Field codes in Word - Word - Office.com

I have been using Word extensively since 1990. Word has changed dramatically since then. Take a look at my page on the Ribbons of Word to see the changes that have happened just in the Ribbon interface since Word 2007.

The pages I referenced were written by me. I'm sorry that they are as complex as they are. I am a criminal defense lawyer and these started from my trying to understand a basic tool that I had to use. I wrote down my understandings and shared them. I do not work for Microsoft.

. . . extremely difficult to write a clear set of instructions

I know!

It seems like there should be a table, an "Executive Summary" for each version of Word, of simply
how to get 3 fields in the footer, like how I described (can't get simpler than that),
which would be just scratching the surface of what's possible,
but pretty much all that most people would ever want to do.

Then, if it's possible to get the File Name to be dynamic using a Template,
that could be another table.


I'll check out the above links, thx!

I suspect that there is more you need to know. See Header/Footer Settings Recap.

I see there is a lot more you can do with the footer.


What are the applications for this? (like Sections and Section breaks)

Read the rest of the page and the links therefrom. The whole page is about Sections.

Start here, though.
Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly