How to Create Custom Document Properties in Word

Note: This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

Aside from the actual document, MS Word also keeps a bit of statistical and overview information about the document. You may be able to see a part of the data by navigating to the File menu and then go to the Properties option. Once you click on Properties, Word will display a dialog box for the document. You may check out the different tabs to view the information.

In addition to the usual properties that are kept by Word, you can make your own document properties. These can now be utilized within the document (using the DOCPROPERTY field) or within macros. To create your own document property, follow this step-by-step guide:

• Choose Properties from the File menu. Word displays the Properties dialog box for the document. (For users with MS Word 2007, open the dialog box by clicking the Office button | Prepare | Document Properties and then use the Document Properties drop-down list to select Advanced Properties.)
• Navigate to the Custom tab.
• In the Name box, type the name you prefer for your new document property.
• Go to the Type drop-down list and then select the type that best describes what you will keep in this document property.
• Go to the Value box and type the value you want for the property.
• Select the Add button. Your new property will be displayed at the bottom of the dialog box, in the Properties list.
• Hit on OK or Cancel to exit from the Properties dialog box.