How to Edit the Author Name in Microsoft Word

Learn how to edit the author name in microsoft word with our step-by-step guide. Change the author name via file properties, track changes, document inspector, and VBA code.

As a writer or editor, it’s essential to know how to edit the author name in Microsoft Word. Whether you’re working on a collaborative project or need to update your authorship information, changing the author name can be a crucial task that can impact the document’s credibility. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to edit the author name in Microsoft Word.

Steps to Access Document Properties

The first step in changing the author name in Microsoft Word is to access the document properties. Document properties contain information about the file, including the author name, title, and keywords. Here’s how to access document properties:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Info” from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on the “Properties” dropdown menu and select “Advanced Properties.”

Once you’ve accessed the document properties, you can edit the author name in several ways, depending on your needs.

Changing the Author Name via File Properties

One way to change the author name in Microsoft Word is to edit the file properties. This method is useful if you want to update the author name for all documents created by a specific user. Here’s how to change the author name via file properties:

1. Access the document properties using the steps listed above.
2. Click on the “Summary” tab.
3. Enter the new author name in the “Author” field.
4. Click “OK” to save the changes.

By changing the author name in the file properties, all future documents created by the user will automatically display the updated author name. It’s also worth noting that changing the author name via file properties will not affect the document’s revision history.

Changing the Author Name via Track Changes

Another way to change the author name in Microsoft Word is to edit the author name via Track Changes. This method is useful if you want to update the author name for a specific document without affecting the document’s revision history. Here’s how to change the author name via Track Changes:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click on the “Review” tab in the top menu.
3. Click on the “Track Changes” dropdown menu and select “Change User Name.”
4. Enter the new author name in the “Name” field.
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.

By changing the author name via Track Changes, the updated author name will only appear on the current document. It’s also worth noting that changing the author name via Track Changes will not affect the document’s file properties.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to change the author name via Document Inspector and VBA Code.

Changing the Author Name via Document Inspector

If you’re concerned about potentially sensitive information being associated with the author name, you can change it via the Document Inspector. The Document Inspector allows you to remove any hidden data or personal information from the document, including the author name. Here’s how to change the author name via Document Inspector:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Info” from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on the “Check for Issues” dropdown menu and select “Inspect Document.”
5. Check the “Document Properties and Personal Information” box.
6. Click “Inspect.”
7. Click “Remove All” next to “Author.”

By removing the author name via Document Inspector, you can ensure that no personal information is associated with the document. It’s worth noting that this method will remove the author name from the document entirely, and you won’t be able to retrieve it.

Changing the Author Name via VBA Code

If you’re comfortable using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), you can change the author name via VBA code. VBA is a programming language that allows you to automate tasks in Microsoft Word. Here’s how to change the author name via VBA code:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Press “Alt + F11” to open the Visual Basic Editor.
3. Click on “Insert” in the top menu and select “Module.”
4. Paste the following code:

Sub ChangeAuthorName()
ActiveDocument.BuiltInDocumentProperties(wdPropertyAuthor) = “New Author Name”
End Sub

5. Replace “New Author Name” with the desired author name.
6. Press F5 to run the code.

By changing the author name via VBA code, you can automate the process of updating the author name for multiple documents. It’s worth noting that this method requires some programming knowledge and should be used with caution.

Benefits of Changing Author Name

Changing the author name in Microsoft Word can have several benefits, including:

• Updating authorship information for collaborative projects: If you’re working on a collaborative project, changing the author name can ensure that each author receives proper credit.
• Removing sensitive information: If you’re concerned about personal information being attached to the document, changing the author name or removing it via Document Inspector can help protect your privacy.
• Customizing the author name: If you’ve changed your name or want to use a pen name, changing the author name in Microsoft Word allows you to customize the information associated with the document.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change the author name in Microsoft Word and enjoy the benefits of customizing your document’s authorship information.

Changing the Author Name via Document Inspector

The Document Inspector is a tool in Microsoft Word that allows users to remove hidden information and personal information from a document. It can also be used to change the author name. Here’s how to change the author name via Document Inspector:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen.
3. Select “Info” from the left-hand menu.
4. Click on the “Check for Issues” dropdown menu and select “Inspect Document.”
5. Check the box next to “Document Properties and Personal Information.”
6. Click “Inspect.”
7. Once the inspection process is complete, click “Remove All” next to “Author.”
8. Enter the new author name in the “Author” field.
9. Click “Close.”

Changing the author name via Document Inspector is useful when you want to remove all personal information and hidden data from a document, in addition to updating the author name.

Changing the Author Name via VBA Code

VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a programming language used to automate tasks in Microsoft Office applications, including Word. VBA code can be used to change the author name in a document. Here’s how to change the author name via VBA code:

1. Open the document in Microsoft Word.
2. Press “Alt + F11” to open the Visual Basic Editor.
3. Click on “Insert” in the top menu and select “Module.”
4. Paste the following code into the code window:

Sub ChangeAuthorName()
ActiveDocument.BuiltInDocumentProperties(“Author”) = “New Author Name”
End Sub

5. Replace “New Author Name” with the desired author name.
6. Click “Run” or press “F5” to execute the code.
7. The author name will be updated.

Changing the author name via VBA code is useful when you need to update the author name for multiple documents quickly. VBA code can be saved as a macro, making it easy to use repeatedly without having to enter the code each time.

In conclusion, changing the author name in Microsoft Word can be done in several ways, depending on your needs. Whether you need to update the author name for a single document or all future documents created by a specific user, there’s a method that will work for you. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you’ll be able to edit the author name in Microsoft Word with ease. Stay informed with StarOne Technology for more informative articles like this one.

Troubleshooting

When changing the author name in Microsoft Word, you may encounter some common issues that can be frustrating to resolve. Here are a few common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot:

Issue: Author name won’t update in the document properties

Solution: If you’ve updated the author name in the document properties but it’s not reflecting in the document, try saving the file and reopening it. If the issue persists, try updating the author name via Track Changes or Document Inspector.

Issue: The document’s revision history is lost after changing the author name

Solution: Changing the author name via file properties or Document Inspector won’t affect the document’s revision history. However, changing the author name via Track Changes will create a new revision history. To preserve the document’s revision history, consider using the file properties or Document Inspector method.

Issue: The “Change User Name” option is greyed out in Track Changes

Solution: If the “Change User Name” option is greyed out in Track Changes, it’s likely because Track Changes is turned off. To enable Track Changes, click on the “Review” tab and click on the “Track Changes” button to turn it on.

Conclusion

Editing the author name in Microsoft Word is a simple yet crucial task that can impact the document’s credibility. In this article, we explored four different methods to change the author name in Microsoft Word, including changing the author name via file properties, Track Changes, Document Inspector, and VBA Code. Each method has its benefits and limitations, depending on your needs.

In summary, changing the author name via file properties is useful for updating the author name for all documents created by a specific user. Changing the author name via Track Changes is useful for updating the author name for a specific document without affecting the revision history. Changing the author name via Document Inspector is useful for removing personal information from the document. And finally, changing the author name via VBA Code is useful for automating the process for multiple documents.

We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of editing the author name in Microsoft Word. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and always double-check your changes to ensure that the document’s credibility remains intact. Stay informed with the latest tech updates and developments by following StarOne Technology.