Template Issues

How to Customize a Word Cover Page with Author, Date, and Subtitle Fields

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to modify a cover page template to include missing required fields (like Author and Subtitle) and correctly format an existing date field to display the Month and Year.

How to Customize a Word Cover Page with Author, Date, and Subtitle Fields

Product: Word Processing
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or modifying a professional document template that requires an accurately formatted cover page with specific metadata fields.
Observed behavior: Default cover page templates omit necessary fields, and the inserted date picker control displays the incorrect format (e.g., showing only the Year instead of Month and Year).

Before you start

Ensure that the Developer tab is enabled in your ribbon menu, as you will need to access it to modify the properties and display formats of your date content controls.

Solution 1Recommended

Add Document Properties and Edit Content Control Formats

Insert quick parts to add missing metadata fields, use the Developer tab to adjust date formats, and save your customized cover page as a reusable template.

Word allows you to directly embed document properties (like Author and Subtitle) onto your cover page. For dynamic fields like dates, modifying the content control properties lets you enforce a specific display format.

Insert a Basic Cover Page

Navigate to Insert > Pages > Cover Page on the ribbon menu and select a built-in template that closely matches your desired layout.

Add Missing Fields via Quick Parts

To add specific fields like the Subtitle or Author, click where you want the text to appear, then go to Insert > Quick Parts > Document Properties and select the required field.

Modify the Date Format

Click on the date picker content control on your cover page. Go to the Developer tab, click on Properties in the Controls group, and choose your preferred date format (such as 'MMMM yyyy' for Month and Year) from the list.

Save to the Cover Page Gallery

Once your fields and formatting are finalized, select all the content on the cover page. Go to Insert > Pages > Cover Page and click 'Save Selection to Cover Page Gallery' to reuse this custom template in future documents.

Add Document Properties and Edit Content Control Formats

Enabling the Developer Tab: If you don't see the Developer tab, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and check the 'Developer' box in the right pane.

Professional Document Formatting

Easily Create and Customize Cover Pages in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to insert rich cover pages, customize document fields, and manage templates without navigating through complex developer settings.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you want to add a custom cover page.
2. Insert a Cover Page: Navigate to the Insert tab, click on the Cover Page button, and choose a preferred design from the gallery.
3. Customize Fields: Click directly on the placeholder text fields on the cover page to update them with your Author name, Subtitle, and Date.
4. Save Custom Design: If you create a customized layout, use the layout options to adjust text boxes and save your finalized document template for later use.

Access a rich, built-in library of professional cover page templates.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx).Easily insert and customize document properties and text boxes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add custom text fields if Quick Parts doesn't have what I need?

If Document Properties do not contain the specific field you need, you can navigate to Insert > Text Box to draw a custom text box anywhere on your cover page and type your desired information.

Why is my newly saved cover page not appearing in other documents?

Custom cover pages are saved in your application's Building Blocks template. Ensure that when you close the application, you click 'Save' if prompted to save changes to the Building Blocks or Normal template.

Can I automatically update the date on my cover page to today's date?

Yes. When you insert a Date & Time field (via the Insert tab), check the box that says 'Update automatically'. This ensures the date reflects the current date whenever the document is opened or printed.

Document & File Issues