Rename Bookmarks in Word: A Free Add-in Solution
Navigating Word Documents with Bookmarks and Renaming Capabilities
Bookmarks within Microsoft Word serve as valuable navigational aids, enabling users to swiftly access specific sections of a document. While Word allows for the addition and deletion of bookmarks, the standard functionality does not include a renaming feature.
However, this limitation can be overcome. This article details a method for renaming bookmarks in Word, enhancing document organization and usability.
Utilizing the Bookmark Tool Add-in
The free Bookmark Tool add-in provides the capability to rename existing bookmarks, alongside other bookmark management functions. Begin by downloading the Bookmark Tool and extracting the contents of the downloaded file.
These files are Word templates containing macros that extend Word’s bookmark capabilities.
Note: The templates are in the older .dot format, compatible with Word 2007 and later versions, despite those versions typically using the .dotx format.
Installing the Bookmark Tool
The most straightforward method for installing and managing Word add-ins is through the Developer tab on the ribbon. If the Developer tab is not visible, it must first be enabled.
Once enabled, click on the Developer tab.
In the Add-ins section, select “Word Add-ins”.
The Templates and Add-ins dialog box will appear. Navigate to the Templates tab and click “Add”.
Locate the extracted folder and select the “MyBookMarkAddin.dot” file, then click “OK”.
The template file will be added to the Global templates and add-ins list. Ensure the template is checked and click “OK”.
Note: To temporarily disable an add-in, simply uncheck it in the Templates and Add-ins dialog box, rather than removing it entirely.
Enabling Macros and Accessing the Tool
Word typically disables macros for security reasons. A yellow Security Warning message bar will appear under the ribbon. As the template files have been tested and are safe, click “Enable Content” to allow the macros to run.
A new “Add-ins” tab will be added to the ribbon. Click on this tab.
Within the Custom Toolbars section of the Add-ins tab, click “Open Bookmarker”.
Renaming Bookmarks
The Bookmark Tool dialog box will display. All bookmarks in the current document will be listed. Select the bookmark you wish to rename.
Word will navigate to the selected bookmark within the document and highlight it.
Check the “Rename selected bookmark” box.
Note: The “Browse” button can also be used to navigate through your bookmarks.
If no bookmark is selected, a dialog box will prompt you to select one. Click “OK” and then choose a bookmark from the list.
Enter the new name for the bookmark in the provided edit box within the Add/Rename Bookmark section and click “Rename”.
Repeat this process for any other bookmarks requiring renaming. Click “Close” when finished.
Verifying the Changes
The newly assigned names will also be reflected in Word’s standard Bookmark dialog box. Access this dialog by clicking the “Insert” tab.
Then, click “Bookmark” in the Links section.
The Bookmark dialog box will display all bookmarks, including those renamed using the Bookmark Tool.
While the standard Bookmark dialog allows for adding new bookmarks, the Bookmark Tool offers expanded functionality, including bookmark repositioning and deletion with options for retaining or removing associated text.
The Bookmark Tool add-in significantly enhances Word’s bookmark capabilities, providing a comprehensive set of tools for efficient document navigation and organization.