Is there a way to have "substitution variables" in a Word 2K
document ?
What I want to do is to create contracts with variables for things
like dates and names, then fill in those items in a central location
for substitution throughout the document. A pointer to this feature,
if it exists, would be very helpful.
Yes. There are several ways to accomplish this. One is to create
template, in which you would create TEXTFORM fields for each first
instance of the data.
To do this, activate the Forms toolbar, and insert a Text Field [click
the "ab" icon] then click the "Form Field Options" (or
right-click->Properties). There, you can rename the bookmark from
Text1 to something meaningful (you will need these later!), set
various characteristics of the data to be entered in the field, and
add helpful prompts to the user if you choose. Be sure to check
"Calculate on exit" for each one.
In the rest of your document, you will place a REF field:
Insert->Field->Links and References. Select "Ref" then click
"Options" and the Bookmarks tab. Select the appropriate Bookmark.
When your form is complete, protect the document (use the "lock"
button on the forms Toolbar) then save it as a template.
For more info about this - and other methods - see also:
http://word.mvps.org/faqs/customization/FillinTheBlanks.htm
HTH
hro
