How to Fix the Invalid Bookmark Name Error in Word Drop-Down Lists
Question details
The user encounters an 'invalid bookmark name' error when utilizing a drop-down form field in a document.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Working with a drop-down form field that has an automatically generated bookmark name.
- Observed behavior
- The application displays an error stating the bookmark name is not valid, which is caused by auto-generated names containing unsupported characters like hyphens (e.g., 'drop-down1').
Ensure your document is currently unprotected so you can access and edit the properties of your form fields without restrictions.
Rename the Drop-Down Form Field Bookmark
Replace the invalid, auto-generated bookmark name with one that uses only supported alphanumeric characters.
This error occurs because the application sometimes auto-generates a bookmark label (like 'drop-down1') that includes a hyphen. Hyphens, spaces, and special characters violate standard bookmark naming rules.
Double-click the drop-down list control in your document, or right-click it and select 'Properties' to open the Drop-Down Form Field Options dialog box.
Find the 'Bookmark' field in the options window, which will likely contain the invalid name.
Delete the existing name and type a new one using only letters and numbers without spaces or hyphens, such as 'test1' or 'Dropdown1'. Alternatively, you can leave the field empty if referencing is not required.
Click 'OK' to save the changes, then test the drop-down control to ensure the error no longer appears.
Manage Drop-Down Forms and Bookmarks Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers a highly compatible and intuitive environment for creating and editing form fields, ensuring your drop-down lists work flawlessly without bookmark validation errors.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing your form fields.
- 2. Access Developer Tools: Navigate to the 'Insert' or 'Developer' tab to access the Forms toolkit.
- 3. Insert Form Fields: Select the Drop-Down Form Field icon to insert a new control into your document.
- 4. Edit Properties: Double-click the inserted field to open its options and assign a valid, alphanumeric bookmark name.
- 5. Protect the Document: Apply document protection to enable form filling and test your drop-down functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the application generate an invalid bookmark name automatically?
In certain instances, the software automatically assigns a default label like 'drop-down1' to new form fields. Because it contains a hyphen, which is an unsupported character for bookmarks, it triggers the validation error when you interact with the field.
What characters are strictly allowed in bookmark names?
Bookmark names must always start with a letter and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, and other special characters are not permitted and will trigger an error.
Can I leave the bookmark field completely blank?
Yes, if the application permits it and you do not need to reference the drop-down field elsewhere in the document or via macros, you can simply delete the bookmark name and leave it empty.
