Search & Replace Field Codes in Microsoft Word

If you’ve ever needed to replace plain text with field codes in a large Microsoft Word document, this method saves hours. This guide shows how to use Word’s Find and Replace with clipboard field codes safely and correctly.

Find and replace text with field codes in Microsoft Word using clipboard code ^c

Step 1: Create or Locate the Field Code

Find a single instance of the field you want to use. If you do not have one yet, create one so you can get the correct codes.

Step 2: Make Field Codes Visible

Make sure Field Codes are visible in your document.

Step 3: Copy the Field Code

Find the code in your document and copy it to the clipboard.

Step 4: Use Find and Replace with `^c`

Open the Replace dialog box, insert the text you want to replace in the Find what box, then type ^c in the Replace with field (do not type quotation marks).

Step 5: Verify the Results

This will replace your text with the contents of the clipboard. Verify results and formatting, especially in large documents.

Last updated: 2025