Document Editing Problems

How to Insert and Link a Word Document Using INCLUDETEXT

Elise Williams Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to insert the contents of another Word document as a seamlessly linked field rather than as an embedded object box.

How to Insert and Link a Word Document Using the INCLUDETEXT Field

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user wants to display and dynamically link the contents of an external source document inside their primary document.
Observed behavior: Using the standard 'Insert > Object > Create from File' command results in an embedded object or box, which does not display the text properly as a linked field.

Before you start

Ensure you know the exact file path of the source document you want to link, and verify that the file is saved in a stable folder location so the link does not break later.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert an INCLUDETEXT Field via Quick Parts

Use the built-in Field dialog to insert an INCLUDETEXT field, which accurately links and displays the text from your source document without creating an object box.

By design, the 'Insert Object' feature encapsulates the file in a rigid box. Using field codes allows the linked text to flow naturally within your document's formatting.

Open the Field Dialog

Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, click on 'Quick Parts', and then select 'Field' from the drop-down menu.

Select INCLUDETEXT

In the Field dialog box, scroll through the 'Field names' list and select 'INCLUDETEXT'.

Choose the Source Document

Enter the file path or use the dialog options to select the source document you want to link, then click 'OK' to insert the linked text.

Update the Field Manually

Because the INCLUDETEXT field does not update automatically when the source file changes, you must select the inserted field (or the entire document) and press the 'F9' key to refresh the content.

Update Source from Field Result

If you make text edits directly within the field result in your primary document and want to push those edits back to the source file, press 'Ctrl+Shift+F7'.

Insert an INCLUDETEXT Field via Quick Parts

Keyboard Shortcuts: Remember F9 for pulling updates from the source document, and Ctrl+Shift+F7 for pushing your edits back to the source document.

Solution 2

Troubleshoot INCLUDETEXT Linking Errors

If your linked document is not displaying correctly or the fields fail to update, perform these standard troubleshooting checks.

Seamlessly Link Documents Using WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive and highly compatible word processing environment. You can easily insert, manage, and update field codes like INCLUDETEXT to keep your linked documents perfectly synchronized.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the primary document where you want the linked text to appear.
2. Access the Field Menu: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon, look for the text tools section, and click on 'Field'.
3. Insert the Linked File: Choose 'INCLUDETEXT' from the field list, input your desired source file path, and click 'OK' to display the linked content.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.docx)Supports advanced field codes and dynamic document linkingLightweight, fast, and completely free to useFamiliar ribbon interface for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my INCLUDETEXT field not updating automatically when I open the document?

INCLUDETEXT fields are designed by default to require a manual refresh to prevent unwanted overwrites and performance lags. You need to select the field (or press Ctrl+A to select the whole document) and press F9 on your keyboard to fetch the latest changes from the source document.

Can I edit the linked text in my main document and save it back to the original file?

Yes, you can make text edits directly within the field result of your main document. Once you have finished editing, select the field and press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+F7. This will push your updates back and save them into the original source document.

What happens to the INCLUDETEXT link if I move the source document to a new folder?

If the source document is moved or renamed, the file path referenced by the INCLUDETEXT link will break, resulting in an error message. You will need to right-click the field, select 'Toggle Field Codes', and manually update the file path to point to the new location.