Document Editing Problems

How to Fix =LOREM and =RAND Text Insertion Problems in Word

Rana Garcia Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to generate placeholder dummy text using the built-in =lorem() or =rand() commands in their document.

How to Fix =LOREM and =RAND Text Insertion Problems in Word

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to insert placeholder text into a document layout for formatting or design testing.
Observed behavior: The command fails to convert into dummy text and remains as plain text on the page because other text or characters are present in the same paragraph.

Before you start

Ensure that your AutoCorrect settings have the 'Replace text as you type' feature enabled, as the dummy text generator relies on this functionality to execute.

Solution 1Recommended

Ensure the Command is the Only Content in the Paragraph

The most common reason the =lorem and =rand commands fail is the presence of other text or characters in the same line or paragraph. Isolating the command resolves this issue.

Microsoft Word's text generation scripts are designed to trigger only when the command stands alone. If you append the command to the end of an existing sentence or place it in a paragraph containing other text, the software treats it as standard text rather than a command.

Isolate the command

Move your cursor to a brand-new, empty line in your document. Ensure there are no preceding words, punctuation marks, tabs, or hidden formatting characters.

Type the exact command

Type the desired command, such as =lorem() or =rand(). You can optionally add parameters inside the parentheses, for example, =rand(3,4) for 3 paragraphs containing 4 sentences each.

Execute with the Enter key

Place the blinking text cursor immediately after the closing parenthesis and press the Enter key. The command will disappear and be replaced by the generated text.

Ensure the Command is the Only Content in the Paragraph

Formatting Tip: You can safely include empty spaces before or after the command, provided no actual text or special characters share the same paragraph block.

Smart Document Editor

Insert Dummy Text Easily with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides robust, built-in tools for document layout testing and placeholder text generation. It perfectly supports standard text generation commands and is fully compatible with your existing Word documents.

1. Open a new document: Launch WPS Office and open a new blank Writer document to begin testing your layout.
2. Enter the text command: On a completely empty line, type =rand(3,3) to request three paragraphs with three sentences each.
3. Generate the placeholder text: Press the Enter key immediately after the closing parenthesis. WPS Writer will instantly populate your document with the requested placeholder text.

Generates placeholder text instantly for fast layout testingFully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.doc and .docx)Lightweight, fast-loading, and free to useFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does =rand() stay as plain text when I press Enter?

This usually happens if there is other text or punctuation on the same line as the command. It can also occur if the 'Replace text as you type' option is disabled in your AutoCorrect settings.

Can I control exactly how much dummy text is generated?

Yes. You can specify the exact amount of text by inserting numbers into the parentheses. The format is =rand(paragraphs, sentences). For example, =rand(5,2) creates 5 paragraphs with 2 sentences each.

What is the difference between =rand() and =lorem()?

The =rand() command generates standard readable language text (often instructional content or pangrams), whereas =lorem() generates pseudo-Latin 'Lorem Ipsum' text. Lorem Ipsum is preferred by designers because the unreadable Latin words prevent readers from being distracted by the content while reviewing the document's layout.

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