Inserting a footer with file name on a form which changes when saved with a new name

Sigurd · Jan 12, 2023

We use a simple form to record information about a variety of similar topics. This basic form has a footer which adds the file name "Basic form" to the document.
When the form is loaded and then saved using the file name eg "Completed form" , the footer name remains as "Basic form". How can I get it to show the new name when saved as "Completed form"?

Windows 11. Office 365. All auto updated.

kelper · Jan 15, 2023

Are you using Word or some other program?

Add the file name, date, author or other document properties to a header or footer - Microsoft Support

Add document properties to headers and footers, such as file name, date, author, or title.

support.microsoft.com

In whatever doc program you use try the help and ask filename in footer?

Word for the web doesn't support adding file names and other document properties to a header or footer.

Select Open in Word to open your document in the desktop version of Word if you have it and follow the steps here on the Windows tab.

Sigurd · Jan 15, 2023

I'm using Office 365 - Word.
I have tried the MS Help but it didn't work.

kelper · Jan 15, 2023

But are you using it online or as a desktop app? Can you post a screenshot?

Sigurd · Jan 15, 2023

I am using a desktop, running Word to create a standard form - nothing fancy. Could equally be a letter. I can add a footer (Insert - Quick Parts - Fields - Filename) to display the file name I use to save it and that works fine. File name displayed in footer. But if I then load that file, and just amend it. and save it under a new file name, the file name displayed in the footer is the original file name, not the new one.
I don't think it can done - original file name stays with original file even if that file is saved under a new name.

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

But which version of Word? And is it the online one or a desktop app?

Timaximus · Jan 16, 2023

It should work with a Field

Overhere it works, just update that field (right mouse click) if the name did not change without print(preview).

Sigurd · Jan 16, 2023

Kelper - Sorry, I thought I had implied which Word version in my first post where I said I used Windows 11 and Office 365 (both latest update). As for the on-line or desktop, looking at post times, those posts obviously crossed!

Thank you all for the suggestions.
Knowing who will be completing this form, and since a suitable reference will be on the form itself, I think the simple answer is to not bother with a footer containing the file name! A cop out I know, but not worth taking up your time any further.

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

I still don't know if you are using Office over the internet, or are using an app on your computer.

When I was still working I did this and don't see why it does not work, but I can't test it as the cutdown version I use now does not allow it.

I used to add the path and the filename to my footers.

Sigurd · Jan 16, 2023

Kerlper - I am using the desktop version of Word.
Adding a footer with File name and Path works fine. The issue is when for example I load a previous letter which I want to send to someone else. Rather that write a new one, I load the old one, make the appropriate changes and then save it under a new name. When I do that, the footer still shows the original name.

Keep warm and avoid forthcoming snowdrifts!

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

I'm sure there must be a way to refresh the footer. I may have to install Office 365 just to see for myself!

Sigurd · Jan 16, 2023

Have fun!!

Berton · Jan 16, 2023

Just a thought as I've never had to do it but would wonder if saving the Basic as a Template would allow changing of the footer when saving as a required different name.

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

Berton said:
Just a thought as I've never had to do it but would wonder if saving the Basic as a Template would allow changing of the footer when saving as a required different name.

I tried, it makes no difference.

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

Sigurd said:
Have fun!!

If you double-click in the footer and press F9, it will update. And you would only do this on page 1.

Or you have to write a macro that just did this when you opened a file.

Sigurd · Jan 16, 2023

Problem solved - thank you.

Now how do I get the people who use the form, complete and save it under a new name to do that? And you thought the problem you solved to be difficult. The macro may be the solution but writing macros is not something I have ever had a need for. Back to the Help files to learn something new!

kelper · Jan 16, 2023

I think you should ask Microsoft. Or look for a Microsoft forum.

Inserting a footer with file name on a form which changes when saved with a new name

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