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How to Hide SEQ CHAPTER Field Codes in Word
Question details
The user needs to hide the raw SEQ CHAPTER field code in a document to display the actual chapter numbering or text.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reading or editing a document where internal field codes are visibly exposed instead of their intended readable output.
- Observed behavior
- The document displays the raw field code {SEQ CHAPTER \h\r\1} instead of the expected sequential chapter number.
Ensure that your document is in Print Layout view and check that you haven't accidentally triggered a global shortcut to reveal all field codes.
Toggle Field Codes via Right-Click Menu
Quickly hide a specific visible field code by using the right-click context menu to reveal its actual value.
Locate and click on the visible field code ({SEQ CHAPTER \h\r\1}) within your document.
Right-click directly on the selected field code to open the context menu.
Click on 'Toggle Field Codes' from the menu list. The display will immediately switch from the raw code to the actual chapter text or number.
Disable Global Field Code Display in Word Options
Change Word's advanced display settings if all field codes are showing throughout the entire document instead of just one.
Manage Document Field Codes Easily in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers full compatibility with Microsoft Word field codes, including SEQ CHAPTER. You can easily toggle, update, and manage field codes for seamless document formatting without a steep learning curve.
- 1. Open document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx document containing the field codes.
- 2. Right-click field code: Right-click the exposed {SEQ CHAPTER} field code.
- 3. Toggle the display: Select 'Toggle Field Codes' from the dropdown menu to instantly display the correct chapter number.
- 4. Use shortcuts: Alternatively, press Alt + F9 to quickly hide or show all field codes across the entire document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word document suddenly start showing field codes instead of text?
This usually happens if you accidentally pressed the Alt + F9 keyboard shortcut, which commands Word to display all underlying field codes instead of their calculated values. Pressing Alt + F9 again will revert the display back to normal text.
What is the purpose of the {SEQ CHAPTER} field code?
The SEQ (Sequence) field is used to automatically number elements like chapters, figures, or tables in a document. It ensures that the sequential numbering updates automatically if you insert or delete chapters later on.
Does an expired Microsoft 365 subscription cause field codes to show?
No, field codes and SEQ fields are core, longstanding functionalities of Microsoft Word. They operate entirely independently of your Microsoft 365 subscription status.
How do I update the sequence number if it is incorrect?
If the chapter numbering is out of order, right-click the number (once the field code is hidden) and select 'Update Field'. To update all numbers in the document at once, select everything by pressing Ctrl + A, then press F9.
