How to Fix Raw XML Tags in EndNote Word Citations
Question details
The user needs to hide raw XML tags displayed in EndNote citations within Microsoft Word and restore properly formatted citation text.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, EndNote
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting academic or professional documents with EndNote citations in Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- EndNote citations display as raw XML tags (such as <Cite>, <Author>, <Year>) instead of formatted results because Word is showing field codes.
Ensure you have saved your current document and verify that your EndNote application and its Word add-in are updated to their latest versions.
Toggle Field Codes Using Keyboard Shortcuts
This is the quickest fix, as Word may have been accidentally set to display raw field codes instead of formatted citation text.
Open the Microsoft Word document containing the unformatted EndNote citations.
Press the Alt + F9 keys simultaneously on your keyboard to hide the field codes.
If you are using a laptop or a keyboard with a function key lock, press Alt + Fn + F9 instead.
Check the document to ensure the raw XML tags have reverted to properly formatted citations.
Update or Repair the EndNote Word Add-in
If toggling the field codes does not work, the EndNote 'Cite While You Write' (CWYW) add-in might be corrupted or outdated.
Contact Clarivate EndNote Support
Since EndNote is a third-party application, persistent compatibility issues may require specialized support from the developer.
Experience Seamless Document Editing with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter complex field code errors or add-in compatibility issues in Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a highly compatible, lightweight, and hassle-free environment for all your document processing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word document suddenly show raw tags like <Cite> instead of text?
This usually happens when Word's setting to 'Show field codes instead of their values' is accidentally enabled. Pressing Alt+F9 (or Alt+Fn+F9) will typically revert the tags back to normal, formatted citation text.
What if the Alt+F9 shortcut doesn't fix the EndNote tags?
If the keyboard shortcut fails, ensure you are pressing the 'Fn' key if your keyboard requires it. If it still doesn't work, try updating your EndNote software or repairing the Word add-in, as the integration between the two programs might be corrupted.
Can Microsoft support fix my EndNote formatting issues?
Because EndNote is a third-party product developed by Clarivate, Microsoft support cannot resolve underlying software bugs or compatibility requirements specific to the EndNote application. You will need to contact EndNote Support directly for advanced troubleshooting.
