Office Settings & Configuration

How to Hide Word XE Index Fields While Showing Formatting Marks

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to hide XE (Index Entry) fields in their document while keeping other structural formatting marks, such as spaces and paragraph marks, visible.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting a document that contains index fields and adjusting the visibility of structural layout marks.
Observed behavior: When formatting marks are turned on, XE index fields automatically display on the screen because they utilize hidden text formatting.

Before you start

Ensure you have finished creating or editing your index entries, as hiding the XE fields will make it difficult to modify individual index tags until you reveal them again.

Solution 1Recommended

Adjust Hidden Text Display in Word Options

Because XE fields are categorized as hidden text, you can hide them by specifically disabling the hidden text display setting while keeping other formatting marks active.

Microsoft Word does not offer a standalone shortcut or specific toggle exclusively for XE fields. To achieve a view where paragraph marks and spaces are visible but index fields are hidden, you must configure the granular formatting mark settings in the Word Options menu.

Open Word Options

Click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to Display Settings

In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Display' in the left-hand navigation pane.

Disable Hidden Text

Under the 'Always show these formatting marks on the screen' section, uncheck the box labeled 'Hidden text'.

Enable Required Marks

Ensure that the specific marks you want to see, such as 'Spaces', 'Tab characters', and 'Paragraph marks', are individually checked. Do not check the 'Show all formatting marks' box, as this overrides individual settings.

Apply Changes

Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to apply your new display settings to the document.

Avoid the Show/Hide Button: Clicking the Show/Hide button (the ¶ icon) on the Home tab toggles all formatting marks simultaneously, which will instantly make your hidden XE fields visible again. Rely on your custom options settings instead.

Manage Formatting Marks Easily

Customize Document View Settings with WPS Writer

WPS Writer provides a streamlined interface for managing exactly which formatting marks appear on your screen, allowing you to easily hide hidden text like index entries while keeping layout markers visible.

1. Open Settings: Launch WPS Writer, click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, and select 'Options'.
2. Access View Preferences: In the Options window, navigate to the 'View' tab.
3. Configure Formatting Marks: Locate the 'Formatting marks' section. Uncheck 'Hidden text' to hide your index fields, while keeping 'Spaces' and 'Paragraph marks' checked.
4. Save Preferences: Click 'OK' to save your customized document view.

Granular control over formatting mark visibilityFully compatible with Microsoft Word DOCX filesIntuitive settings menu for faster document formattingLightweight, fast, and free to use

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my XE fields keep reappearing?

XE fields reappear if you click the Show/Hide (¶) button on your ribbon or use the Ctrl+* shortcut. This action overrides individual settings and forces all formatting marks, including hidden text, to display.

Can I print the document without showing the XE fields?

Yes. As long as the 'Print hidden text' option is disabled in your Word printing settings (File > Options > Display > Printing options), XE fields will not appear on the physical printout, regardless of whether they are visible on your screen.

Is there a specific macro to hide only XE fields?

Since XE fields are inherently tied to the hidden text property, a macro can only toggle the hidden text display setting via VBA (e.g., ActiveWindow.View.ShowHiddenText = False). It cannot separate XE fields from other hidden text.

Will hiding XE fields prevent my index from updating properly?

No. Hiding XE fields only changes their visibility on your screen. The fields remain functional in the document's code, and you can still generate or update your index normally.

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