How to Convert a Linked Word Document Object into Normal Text
Question details
The user needs to convert linked document content (such as INCLUDETEXT or LINK fields) into standard, editable text.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user has inserted linked DOCX content into a document, which updates dynamically from a source file, and now wishes to break this link to edit the content as ordinary text.
- Observed behavior
- The content acts as a dynamic field connected to an external source file rather than functioning as standalone, editable document text.
Before unlinking fields, ensure you no longer need the content to update automatically from the source file, as breaking the link is a permanent action.
Unlink Document Fields Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Use the built-in Windows shortcut to break the connection between the linked object and its source, instantly converting it to plain text.
This method applies to content inserted via INCLUDETEXT or LINK fields. Once unlinked, the text will no longer update if the original source file is modified.
Click inside the linked text you want to convert. If you want to convert all linked objects in the entire document, press "Ctrl + A" to select all content.
Press "Ctrl + Shift + F9" on your keyboard. This command immediately removes the field codes and converts the visible result into normal, editable text.
Extract Text from Picture Objects using OCR
If the linked object was inserted as a picture rather than a text field, you must use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert it to editable text.
Easily Manage and Edit Linked Fields with WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides a powerful, intuitive editing environment where managing complex document fields, linked objects, and standard text is effortless. It seamlessly handles Word field codes and offers advanced built-in tools like Picture-to-Text (OCR).
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document containing the linked text fields.
- 2. Highlight the target text: Click on the linked text or use "Ctrl + A" to select the entire document to ensure all fields are captured.
- 3. Unlink and convert: Press "Ctrl + Shift + F9" to permanently break the links, turning all dynamic fields into standard editable text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my linked text keep updating automatically?
Linked text is dynamically connected to a source file via INCLUDETEXT or LINK field codes. Every time the source file changes or the document refreshes, the field updates to reflect the source. You must unlink the field to stop this behavior.
How can I see which parts of my document are linked fields?
You can toggle field codes on and off by pressing "Alt + F9". This will change the displayed text into its underlying formula (e.g., showing INCLUDETEXT "C:\\Documents\\Source.docx"), allowing you to easily locate all linked objects.
What should I do if Ctrl+Shift+F9 doesn't work?
If the shortcut fails, the object was likely inserted as an image or an embedded OLE object rather than a text link. For images, you will need to use an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tool to extract the text manually.
Can I relink the text after I have converted it to normal text?
Unlinking is a permanent action that removes the field codes. To relink the text, you must either immediately use the "Undo" function (Ctrl+Z) or manually re-insert the text from the original file using the "Insert as Link" option.
