Document Editing Problems

How to View the Full Filename of an Embedded Object in Microsoft Word

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 16, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a way to view the complete filename of an embedded object in a Word document, as the name is often truncated due to its length.

How to View the Full Filename of an Embedded Object in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing the details and properties of embedded files within a text document.
Observed behavior: The filename displayed beneath the embedded object icon is cut off, making it impossible to read the full name directly from the standard document view.

Before you start

Ensure that the Word document containing the embedded object is fully loaded and that you have sufficient permissions to interact with or edit the file.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Convert and Change Icon Menu

This method allows you to access the object's settings to view the full, untruncated filename in the Caption field.

While Microsoft Word automatically truncates long filenames under embedded object icons to preserve document formatting, the full original filename is still stored in the object's properties. By accessing the 'Change Icon' dialog, you can bypass the display limit and read the entire filename.

Right-click the embedded object

Scroll through your Word document to locate the embedded object icon, then right-click on it to open the context menu.

Select the Object option

From the right-click menu, hover over 'Object' (or 'Document Object', depending on the embedded file type), and then click on 'Convert'.

Open the Change Icon window

In the Convert dialog box that appears, click the 'Change Icon...' button to access the display properties of the embedded file.

View the Caption field

Look at the 'Caption' text box in the Change Icon window. This field contains the full, untruncated filename of your embedded object.

Customizing the Display Name: You can also use this same Caption field to type a shorter, custom name for the object so it displays neatly within your document layout.

Manage Embedded Objects Easily

View and Manage Embedded Files Seamlessly with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly compatible and intuitive interface for managing embedded files. You can effortlessly insert, view, and organize embedded objects without struggling with restrictive display limitations.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document containing the embedded objects you wish to inspect.
2. Locate and right-click the object: Find the embedded file icon in your document, right-click it, and navigate to the 'Object' settings.
3. View object properties: Select the properties or conversion menu to easily read the full filename or update the display caption as needed.

Easily view and edit properties of embedded objectsFully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx, .doc)Free, lightweight, and quick to installFamiliar user interface requires no learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Microsoft Word truncate the names of embedded objects?

Word limits the text display width beneath embedded icons to prevent long filenames from disrupting the document's layout and formatting. Any text exceeding this visual boundary is automatically shortened.

Can I permanently change the name displayed under the object icon?

Yes. By following the 'Change Icon' steps, you can delete the text in the Caption field and type a new, shorter name. Click OK, and the new name will display permanently under the icon.

Does extracting the file restore its original long filename?

Yes. If you double-click the embedded object to open it, or save it locally to your computer, it will usually open or save using its original, untruncated filename in your system's file explorer.

Document & File Issues