Template Issues

How to Insert File Path in Footer for Word for Mac Templates

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to display the document's full file path in the footer of a Word for Mac template and ensure it updates automatically.

How to Add and Update the File Path in a Word for Mac Footer

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS 14.2.1
Scenario: Creating a document template where the full file path needs to be visible and correctly updated in the footer after saving.
Observed behavior: The FILENAME field can display the document name, but the extension and full path do not update automatically when the document is saved to a new location in Word for Mac.

Before you start

Ensure you have saved your document to a specific folder on your Mac at least once, as new unsaved documents do not yet have a valid file path to display.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the FILENAME Field and Update via Print Settings

Insert the specific field code into your footer and enable the option to automatically update fields before printing.

In Microsoft Word, certain fields like FILENAME do not update continuously as you type or save. However, you can force them to update by adjusting your Print preferences.

Access the Footer

Double-click the bottom area of your document page to open the Header & Footer editing mode.

Insert the FILENAME Field

Press Cmd + F9 to insert empty field brackets. Inside the brackets, type 'FILENAME \p' (the \p switch forces the inclusion of the full file path).

Adjust Print Preferences

From the top Mac menu bar, go to Word > Preferences > Print.

Enable Automatic Field Updates

Check the box next to 'Update Fields'. Now, opening and canceling the Print dialog (Cmd + P) will automatically refresh the file path.

Use the FILENAME Field and Update via Print Settings

Manual Update Alternative: You can manually update the field at any time by selecting the text in the footer and pressing F9 (or Fn + F9) after saving the document to its final location.

Solution 2

Automate Updates with a Macro-Enabled Template (.dotm)

Create a macro that forces field updates upon saving, and save your document as a macro-enabled template for future use.

Easily Manage Document Fields and Templates with WPS Office

WPS Office provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing headers, footers, and document fields. You can easily insert file properties like names and paths without having to configure complex macro settings or memorize field codes.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your current document or start a new template.
2. Edit the Footer: Double-click the bottom margin of the page to activate the Header and Footer tab.
3. Insert the File Path Field: Navigate to the Insert tab, click on 'Field', choose 'Document Information', and select 'File Name'. Check the option to include the full file path and click OK.
4. Save Your Template: Save your document. WPS Writer handles these field references seamlessly while maintaining strict compatibility with Word formats.

Intuitive graphical menus for inserting fields in headers and footers.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .dotm, .dotx).Lightweight, fast, and highly optimized for macOS and Windows.Free to use for everyday document creation and professional formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the FILENAME field update automatically when I move the file?

By design, Microsoft Word does not automatically update all fields (like FILENAME or DATE) dynamically while editing, in order to conserve system resources. They typically update when printing, opening the document, or when manually triggered.

How do I manually update the file path field in Word for Mac?

Double-click the footer to enter edit mode, highlight the file path text (or press Cmd + A to select all text in the footer), and press F9 (or Fn + F9 on some Mac keyboards) to refresh the field with the most current data.

What does the \p switch do in the field code?

The \p switch stands for 'path'. When added to the FILENAME field (i.e., FILENAME \p), it instructs Word to display the entire directory path of the document (e.g., Mac HD:Users:Name:Documents:file.docx) rather than just the file name.

Does Word for Mac fully support .dotm macro-enabled templates?

Yes, Word for Mac supports the .dotm format. Saving your document as a macro-enabled template allows you to bundle custom VBA scripts—such as those that force footer updates—directly with the template.

Document & File Issues