How to Use Word Field Codes to Display Spelled-Out Ordinal Dates
Question details
The user needs to format Microsoft Word date fields to display ordinal numbers as spelled-out words.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating automated templates or formal documents where the day component of a date needs to be spelled out entirely using field codes.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to configure field codes using specific formatting switches to automatically output spelled-out ordinal dates (e.g., 'sixth') instead of standard numeric dates.
Ensure you are familiar with inserting field codes via keyboard shortcuts, as typing field brackets manually using your keyboard will not execute the code.
Use Date Formatting Switches to Create Spelled-Out Ordinal Dates
Apply the \* ordtext and \* ordinal switches inside Word field codes to format the day component of a date as a spelled-out word or numeric ordinal.
Microsoft Word handles numeric ordinals and spelled-out text in separate field operations. By isolating the day component with the 'd' switch, you can apply exact formatting using the ordinal switches.
Press Ctrl+F9 to insert a new pair of field brackets. Do not type the curly brackets manually, as the formula will fail to evaluate.
Inside the newly created brackets, type 'date \@ d \* ordtext' to instruct Word to display the current day as a fully spelled-out word (e.g., 'sixth').
If you also want to display a numeric ordinal alongside it (e.g., '6th'), insert another field by pressing Ctrl+F9 and type 'date \@ d \* ordinal' inside those brackets.
Select the newly created field codes and press F9 to update the formulas. The text will automatically change from the code view to the formatted date result.
Format Dates and Field Codes Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers full support for advanced document automation, including date field codes, formatting switches, and mail merge capabilities. Edit and format your professional documents efficiently for free.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you want to insert the spelled-out ordinal date.
- 2. Insert Field Code Brackets: Place your cursor at the target location and press Ctrl+F9 to create the specialized field code brackets.
- 3. Enter the Date Switch: Type your preferred field command, such as 'date \@ d \* ordtext', directly into the generated brackets.
- 4. Update the Field: Right-click the code and choose 'Update Field', or simply press F9 to instantly view your formatted, spelled-out date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my field code working when I type the curly brackets on my keyboard?
Field codes require specialized internal brackets that cannot be typed manually using the standard '{' and '}' keyboard keys. You must press Ctrl+F9 to insert the correct active field code brackets before typing your formula.
What is the difference between the \* ordinal and \* ordtext switches?
The \* ordinal switch formats a number as a numeric ordinal (e.g., '1st', '2nd', '3rd'), while the \* ordtext switch formats the number as a fully spelled-out text word (e.g., 'first', 'second', 'third').
How do I edit an existing field code after it has been updated to show the result?
To edit an existing field code, click anywhere on the formatted result and press Shift+F9, or right-click the field and select 'Toggle Field Codes'. Make your necessary edits to the switch, then press F9 again to update and display the new result.
