Office for Mac Issues

Fix Word for Mac DocProperty Field Options Grayed Out

Elise Williams Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user is unable to access the Options button when inserting a DocProperty field in Word for Mac because the button is unavailable.

How to Fix Word for Mac DocProperty Field Options Grayed Out

Product: Word for Microsoft 365 on Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Inserting a DocProperty field for custom or SharePoint-related document properties.
Observed behavior: The Options button is grayed out and unavailable in the Field dialog box.

Before you start

Ensure your custom document properties are already created and named correctly before attempting to insert them as fields.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Insert the Field Code using Shortcuts

Bypass the unresponsive Field dialog box by manually typing the DocProperty field code directly into your document.

Since the visual Field dialog box may experience interface bugs on Word for Mac, using keyboard shortcuts to manually insert the field code is the most reliable workaround.

Insert Empty Field Brackets

Click where you want the property to appear in your document and press Command + F9. This will insert a pair of empty field brackets { }.

Type the Property Details

Inside the brackets, type DOCPROPERTY followed by a space and the exact name of your custom property (e.g., { DOCPROPERTY Version }).

Update the Field

Press F9 while your cursor is still on the field code to update it and display the actual property value.

Toggle Field Codes

Use Option + F9 to toggle your document view between showing the raw field codes and the final field results.

Manually Insert the Field Code using Shortcuts

Tip: Ensure you use Command + F9 to create the brackets; typing standard curly braces using your keyboard will not create a valid field code.

Solution 2

Report the Bug to Microsoft Support

Because this is a known interface bug in Word for Microsoft 365 on Mac, reporting it helps Microsoft prioritize a permanent software fix.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Word Processing Experience

If UI bugs in Microsoft Word for Mac are interrupting your workflow, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface with smooth document property and field management without the frustrating glitches.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite for your Mac.
2. Open Your Document: Open your existing Microsoft Word (.docx) document directly in WPS Writer.
3. Manage Fields Seamlessly: Navigate to the Insert tab and select Field to easily insert and manage your document properties.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Reliable field insertion and document property management.Familiar user interface for a zero-learning-curve transition.Free and lightweight suite optimized for Mac users.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Options button grayed out for DocProperty fields in Word for Mac?

This is a known interface bug in certain builds of Word for Microsoft 365 on Mac. It frequently occurs when dealing with specific custom properties or SharePoint-related document properties.

How do I show or hide field codes on a Mac?

You can toggle between viewing the underlying field codes (like { DOCPROPERTY Version }) and their actual text values by pressing Option + F9 on your Mac keyboard.

Can I update all field codes in a document at once?

Yes, you can update every field simultaneously by selecting the entire document (press Command + A) and then pressing F9 to refresh all the data.

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