This tutorial shows how to insert placeholder text in Microsoft Word without copying and pasting it from another source. Placeholder text, which is also called random text, filler text, or dummy text, fills space in a document for formatting or layout purposes.
First, we’re going to look at how to create three types of placeholder text: random text, the classic “quick brown fox,” and Lorem ipsum. Then, we’re going to customize the number of paragraphs and sentences generated as placeholder text.
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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010. However, your interface may look slightly different in those earlier versions of the software.
How to Insert Placeholder Text
- Place your cursor at the start of a new line.
Important Note: Placeholder text cannot be inserted into an existing paragraph. However, it can be placed in another element, such as an empty table cell, column, or text box.
- Type one of the three placeholder options, =rand(), =rand.old(), or =lorem(), and then press the Enter key on your keyboard. Each option is explained below.
=rand() This option inserts coherent English text.
=rand.old() This option inserts the sentence “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” (There is currently a glitch where the second and subsequent paragraphs are missing a space between sentences.)
=lorem() This option inserts placeholder text known as Lorem ipsum, which is a corrupted form of Latin. Lorem ipsum is commonly used in the publishing industry for design, formatting, and layout purposes.
What If Your Placeholder Text Doesn’t Appear?
The three placeholder methods described above only work if your software is set to “Replace text as you type.” This option is normally turned on by default.
However, if your placeholder text is not appearing, you can check to see if your text is set to replace text as you type:
- Select the File tab.
- Select the Options tab in the Backstage view.
- Select the Proofing tab in the Word Options dialog box.
- Select the AutoCorrect Options button.
- Ensure that Replace text as your type is checked in the AutoCorrect dialog box.
- Select the OK button to close the AutoCorrect dialog box.
- Select the OK button to close the Word Options dialog box.
How to Customize the Length of Placeholder Text
You can customize the length of the placeholder text inserted in your document by including the number of paragraphs and sentences inside the parentheses.
For example, if you want five paragraphs of four sentences each, type:
=rand(5,4)
=rand.old(5,4)
=lorem(5,4)
You can also indicate just the number of paragraphs by placing one number in the parentheses:
=rand(5)
=rand.old(5)
=lorem(5)
Related Resources
How to Change the Font, Font Size, and Font Color in Microsoft Word
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