How to Display a Word Filename Without the Extension
Question details
The user wants to insert the document's filename into a file without showing the file extension (such as .docx).
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Inserting a dynamic filename field into a document header, footer, or body for printing or sharing.
- Observed behavior
- The default FILENAME field always includes the file extension, requiring a workaround to hide it and display only the core document name.
Ensure that your document has been saved at least once so it has a valid filename, and verify that macros are enabled in your word processor's security settings.
Use a DOCVARIABLE Field and VBA Macro
The most effective way to strip the file extension is by combining a document variable with a short VBA script.
Since the standard FILENAME field does not have a built-in switch to hide the extension, you can use a custom Document Variable (DOCVARIABLE) populated by a VBA macro. This macro reads the filename, removes the extension, and updates the document fields.
Click where you want the filename to appear. Press Ctrl+F9 to insert field braces { }, and type 'DOCVARIABLE FileName' inside them. It should look like { DOCVARIABLE FileName }.
Press Alt+F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor. Go to Insert > Module to create a new macro module.
Paste the following code: Sub UpdateFileName() With ActiveDocument: .Variables("FileName").Value = Left(.Name, InStrRev(.Name, ".") - 1): .PrintPreview: .ClosePrintPreview: End With End Sub
Close the VBA editor and run the macro by pressing Alt+F8, selecting 'UpdateFileName', and clicking Run. The print preview toggle in the code forces the fields to refresh, displaying your filename without the extension.
Manage Fields and Macros Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Office Writer provides robust support for document fields, variables, and VBA macros, allowing you to automate tasks like inserting filenames without extensions effortlessly.
- 1. Insert a Field: Open your document in WPS Writer and press Ctrl+F9 to insert a field.
- 2. Define the Variable: Type 'DOCVARIABLE FileName' within the curly braces.
- 3. Run the Macro: Go to the Developer tab, click on Macros to insert your VBA script, and run it to strip the extension.
- 4. Update Fields: Right-click the field and select 'Update Field' to see your clean filename.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the default FILENAME field have a switch to hide the extension?
The standard FILENAME field in Word does not include a built-in formatting switch to remove the file extension. It only pulls the exact file name as saved on the operating system, which is why a VBA workaround is necessary.
Will this macro update automatically if I rename the file?
No, document variables and fields do not update automatically when a file is renamed outside the application. You must open the document and run the macro again to refresh the DOCVARIABLE value.
Can I use this method in headers and footers?
Yes, you can place the DOCVARIABLE field in the header or footer. The macro's print preview toggle (.PrintPreview followed by .ClosePrintPreview) is specifically designed to force fields in headers and footers to update.
Are macros safe to use in my documents?
Macros are safe if you write them yourself or obtain them from a trusted source. Because malicious code can be distributed via macros, always ensure your macro security settings are configured properly and only run macros you trust.
