University of Wisconsin - Stout

Often times when working with documents, users may want to include the file path in the footer of documents.

This is a relatively simple procedure. Below I will describe two ways to insert the file path. The first is a relatively simple procedure that uses a template to insert the correct information into Word 2007 for you. The second way is directions for inserting the correct information into the footer and then saving it as a building block template to use later.

Insert file path using template

Using a template provided by a Microsoft Word 2007 user, it is easy to install the building blocks necessary to insert file name and path into a document easily. Below are directions to install the building blocks using the template:

  1. Using Internet Explorer, navigate to the following link: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/TC300002951033.aspx?pid=CT101446261033
  2. You may be prompted to validate your Office 2007 installation. Follow the on-screen directions and complete this procedure. Once finished you will be able to download the template file. Click download now to retrieve and open the file on your computer.
  3. Upon opening the file, you will be provided instructions to complete the process. The next few lines will include screen shots of the process to aid in installation.
  4. On the Insert tab, click Header
  5. Locate the building block named File and Path
  6. Right click the building block and click Edit Properties
  7. In the Save In list select Building Blocks.dotx, and then click OK
  8. Repeat steps 2 through 4 for the File Name And Path Building Blocks located in the Footer gallery.

 

Insert file path using Word menus

The following directions will provide step-by-step instructions to insert the file path into the footer of a document. This process is slightly more difficult than the previous method listed above.

Below are the directions to create a building block for inserting the file path onto the footer of a document:

  1. Open up Word 2007
  2. Go to the Insert tab and click Footer, choose Blank from the drop down menu.
  3. Once you are working with the footer, you will notice that the Header and Footer tools show up as the last tab on your ribbon. Select the design tab under Header and Footer tools.
  4. Find the Insert group and click on Quick Parts and select Field...
  5. The Field dialogue box will then appear on the screen. Under Categories select document information. Under Field Names select FileName, then on the far right side click the checkbox entitled Add Path to File Name. Click OK.
  6. You should now have the file name and/or path inserted into the footer of your document. Take your cursor and highlight the file path you just inserted.
  7. Now go back to the Insert tab and once again click Footer. This time go all the way to the bottom and click Save Selection to Footer Gallery.
  8. You will then be prompted with a dialogue box. Type in the name you desire and click OK.
  9. Now you will notice the building block with the name you specified at the bottom of the Footer drop-down list. Click it to insert the information into the footer of the document.
  10. Last, upon exiting Word you will be prompted to save changes to building blocks. Click YES and you will not have a permanent building block for inserting the file path into the footer of a document.

 

 

 

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