How to Insert a Word Document’s File Name and Path (2 Ways)

Insert a Word Document's File Name and Path using Fields

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 14, 2023

Applies to: Microsoft^® Word^® 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021 or 365 (Windows)

In Microsoft Word, you can insert a document's file name and path using fields. The path can be displayed in the body of the document or in the header or footer. You can also customize the Quick Access Toolbar and display the file path.

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Insert a document file name and path in a Word document using the FileName field

To insert the FileName field and display the current document's file name and path:

Position the cursor where you want to display the file name and path. You can insert the field in the document or in a header or footer.
Click the Insert tab in the Ribbon and click Quick Parts in the Text group. A drop-down menu appears.
Select Field. A dialog box appears.
Select FileName in the Field Names list. Options appear for the field.
Select a format in the Format list.
To display the full path, check or select the Add Path to filename check box.
Click OK.

Below is the Field dialog box:

Hide Field Codes

A file name would normally appear similar to the following example:

C:\Users\David\Desktop\ABCCompany\Projects\ARCProject.docx

If field codes appear instead, you can hide the field codes by pressing Alt + F9.

Update the FileName field

If the document's name or path has changed, you'll need to update the field.

To update the field, right-click the field and select Update or click the field and press F9. You can also press Ctrl + A and then press F9 to update all fields in your document.

Add a File Path button to the Quick Access Toolbar

You can also add a button in the Quick Access Toolbar to display the file path.

To customize the Quick Access Toolbar to display the file path:

Click the arrow to the right of the Quick Access Toolbar (which is normally above the Ribbon by default) and choose More Commands. The Options dialog box appears. In the dialog box, the Quick Access Toolbar should be selected on the left.
Click the arrow below Choose commands from and then select All Commands.
Select Document Location in the list of commands.
Click Add.
Click OK. A document location or file path will now display in the Quick Access Toolbar.

Below is the Options dialog box where you can add buttons to the Quick Access Toolbar:

You may want to display the Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbon by clicking the arrow to the right of the Quick Access Toolbar and selecting Show Below the Ribbon.

This article was first published on October 4, 2017 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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How to Insert a Word Document's File Name and Path (2 Ways)

Insert a Word Document's File Name and Path using Fields