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How to Show Excel Link Results Instead of Field Codes in Word
Question details
The user needs to display the actual calculated data values from linked Excel fields in a Word document rather than the raw field codes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing or updating a Word document that contains linked data from an Excel spreadsheet.
- Observed behavior
- Linked Excel fields are displayed as formulaic field codes instead of showing their actual calculated results.
Ensure that your linked Excel spreadsheet is saved and remains accessible on your computer so that Word can properly retrieve the most recent calculated values.
Toggle Field Codes Using the Keyboard Shortcut
The fastest way to switch between displaying field codes and their actual values is by using a built-in Word keyboard shortcut.
Microsoft Word has a global shortcut that immediately hides or reveals all field codes in your document. This bypasses the need to navigate through the settings menus.
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document that is currently displaying the field codes instead of the linked Excel data.
Press the Alt and F9 keys simultaneously on your keyboard. This global shortcut toggles all field codes in the active document to show their linked results.
Disable Field Codes via Word Advanced Options
If the keyboard shortcut does not resolve the issue, you can manually disable the field code view from Word's Advanced Options menu.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
Tired of navigating through complex and hidden settings in Microsoft Word? WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative that makes managing linked spreadsheets and text documents completely effortless.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package tailored for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Application: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document to view and manage your linked Excel data effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Word document suddenly start showing field codes?
You or another user may have accidentally pressed the Alt+F9 keyboard shortcut, which instantly toggles the document view. Alternatively, Word may have inherited the 'Show field codes' setting from the last saved state of a previously closed document.
Can I hide the field code for just one specific Excel link?
Yes. Instead of using the global Alt+F9 shortcut which affects the entire document, you can highlight a single field code, right-click it, and select 'Toggle Field Codes'. You can also use the Shift+F9 shortcut to toggle only the currently selected field.
Will my document print with field codes or the actual results?
By default, Word prints exactly what is displayed on your screen. However, if your document prints field codes even when they are hidden on screen, go to File > Options > Advanced > Print, and ensure that the 'Print field codes instead of their values' option is unchecked.
