How to remove space between \b switch and mergefield value in Word

How to Remove Space Between \b Switch and Mergefield Value in Word

When working with Microsoft Word, you may come across situations where you need to merge fields and apply formatting using switches. One common issue users face is the unwanted space that appears between the \b switch and the mergefield value. This article will guide you through the steps to remove this space and ensure your merged documents look clean and professional.

Understanding the \b Switch

The \b switch in Word is used to apply bold formatting to a specific part of a mergefield. It is commonly used to emphasize certain information in a merged document. However, when not used correctly, it can cause an unwanted space to appear.

Identifying the Issue

To identify whether you have the space issue between the \b switch and the mergefield value, follow these steps:

1. Open your Word document containing the mergefield.
2. Go to the "Mailings" tab in the Word ribbon.
3. Click on the "Preview Results" button.
4. Scroll through the merged document and look for spaces between the \b switch and the mergefield value.

Fixing the Issue

To remove the space between the \b switch and the mergefield value, you can follow these steps:

1. Open your Word document containing the mergefield.
2. Highlight the mergefield that has the space issue.
3. Right-click on the mergefield and select "Toggle Field Codes" from the context menu.
4. You will now see the field code instead of the merged value.
5. Locate the \b switch within the field code. It should be placed immediately before the mergefield value.
6. Remove any extra spaces between the \b switch and the mergefield value.
7. Press "Ctrl + F9" to enclose the mergefield in curly braces. This ensures that the field code is properly recognized.
8. Press "F9" to update the field and display the merged value.
9. Repeat these steps for any other mergefields with the same issue.

Example

Let's consider an example to illustrate the process:

In this example, if there is an unwanted space between the \b switch and the mergefield value, it can be fixed by removing the space like this:

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this article, you should now be able to remove the space between the \b switch and the mergefield value in Word. Remember to always check your merged documents after making changes to ensure the desired formatting is applied correctly.

References