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How to Fix Word Displaying Zotero Citations and Page Fields as Code
Question details
The user needs to restore normal text formatting in Microsoft Word after the application started displaying raw field codes for elements like Zotero citations and page numbers.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or editing a document that contains automated fields, citations, headers, or footers.
- Observed behavior
- Word displays complete Zotero citation fields and footer fields (such as PAGE) as visible code instead of their properly formatted results or numbers.
Ensure your keyboard's Function (Fn) lock is in the correct state, as many laptop and compact keyboards require you to press the Fn key to activate the standard F9 function.
Toggle Field Codes Using the Keyboard Shortcut
Use the built-in keyboard shortcut to instantly switch between displaying raw field codes and their formatted field results.
Microsoft Word has a built-in toggle that allows users to view the backend code of automated fields. Accidental activation of this toggle is the most common reason for citations and page numbers appearing as code.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document where your citations and page numbers are appearing as code.
Press the 'Alt + F9' keys simultaneously on your keyboard. If you are using a laptop, you may need to press 'Fn + Alt + F9'.
Check your Zotero citations and footer page numbers to confirm that the raw code has been successfully replaced by the normal text.
Disable Field Codes via Word Options
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can manually disable the field codes display setting in Word's advanced options menu.
How to Manage Field Codes Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Office offers a robust and seamless experience for handling citations, page numbers, and automated field codes. You can easily toggle between field codes and results using familiar shortcuts or intuitive menu settings.
- 1. Open your Document in WPS: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file containing the citations or page number fields.
- 2. Toggle via Shortcut: Simply press 'Alt + F9' on your keyboard to instantly switch between displaying field codes and their actual formatted values.
- 3. Access View Options: Alternatively, navigate to 'Menu' > 'Options' > 'View', and uncheck the 'Field codes' option under the Formatting marks section to hide the raw codes permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word document suddenly start showing field codes instead of text?
This usually happens if you accidentally trigger the 'Alt + F9' keyboard shortcut while typing. This shortcut activates Word's built-in feature to reveal the underlying code for automated elements like citations, hyperlinks, and page numbers.
Does leaving field codes visible affect how my document prints?
Yes. Depending on your print settings, if field codes are visible on your screen, they may also print as raw code instead of formatted text. Toggling them back to results using 'Alt + F9' ensures they print correctly.
How do I update a field code after modifying it?
If you need to manually update a field (such as a table of contents, formula, or cross-reference), click anywhere inside the field and press 'F9', or right-click the field and select 'Update Field' from the context menu.
