I am trying to create a document in which the user will be given the opportunity to enter some text and I would like to use that in the rest of the places in that same document. The text entered by the user will be used in many places in the same document and changing the name at any time should be reflected in rest of the document.
For example, in the very first page of the document, I would like to get the user's name and age and use it in other places as shown in the following screenshot.
I tried to use plain text content control to get the name and age. But I could not find a way to insert those as fields in my text.
Any ideas on how I can achieve this? I am even ready to do a mailmerge, but I do not want the data to be from any place other than this document. The screen shot was tried in Office 2013, but it would be great if it works right from 2007 onwards. I do not want to do it with macros.
Best Answer
I think you'll have to use the Word Template and DocVariables. This also means some VBa but this tutorial covers it
http://www.gmayor.com/BookmarkandVariableEditor.htm
However, as an example of making it read content from else where, this may get you going... This isn't perfect but, it may be a good start!
In word, add the developer toolbar to the ribbon.
From the developer toolbar, drop in 2 text boxes from the controls tab.
Click on the Insert toolbar.
Now, click on the first textbox (the one where text is to be copied too). Make sure you click on the 3 little dots on the left side so the entire textbox is selected. When you have selected it, the Bookmark (under Links) should become enabled. Click on it and give it an appropriate name.
Click on the second textbox, and do the same but this time, click on Cross Reference. In the drop down box, select bookmarks and then find the book mark in question.
This is set up, but, you have to manually update the field. So, type some text into the first textbox, then right click on the second and select Update Fields. As I said, not perfect, but hopefully a start!
This article explains it can be done with a Template and Macros. http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Userforms/CreateAUserform.htm