To insert a document’s file path in Word, go to Insert > Quick Parts > Field, choose FileName, check Add path to filename, and click OK. Word inserts the full location, such as C:\Users\Alex\Documents\Report.docx. It’s handy in a footer so printed copies show where the file is saved. Save the document first, or the field shows only a default name.
Quick Answer
Insert > Quick Parts > Field > FileName > check Add path to filename > OK.
Insert the File Path
- Save the document.
- Click where you want the path, such as in the footer (double-click the footer area).
- Go to Insert > Quick Parts > Field.
- Choose FileName in the Field names list.
- Check Add path to filename and click OK.
Update the Path
Fields don’t always update automatically. If you move or rename the file, click the field and press F9, or select all (Ctrl + A) and press F9. Fields in headers and footers usually update when you open Print Preview.
Related Fields
| Field | Shows |
|---|---|
| FileName | File name (optionally with path) |
| Date / SaveDate | Today’s date / last saved date |
| Author | Document author property |
| Page / NumPages | Page X of Y |
In Microsoft 365 versions of Word, you can skip the Field dialog. Double-click the header or footer to open the Header & Footer tab, click Document Info and choose File Path. Word inserts the same FileName field with the path switch, so it updates the same way.
Copy the Path Without Inserting It
If you only need to share where a document lives, go to File, Info and click Copy path (shown under the document name in recent versions). Paste it into an email or chat. In File Explorer you can also select the file, then right-click and choose Copy as path.
When a document is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, the path field usually shows a web address beginning with https rather than a C: drive location. That is expected. If you need a local folder path on printouts, save a copy to a local folder, or sync the library with the OneDrive app and open the file from File Explorer.
Troubleshooting
- Shows { FILENAME \p }: Field codes are visible. Press Alt + F9.
- Shows a web address: Files saved to OneDrive or SharePoint show their online location.
- Path is out of date: Press F9 on the field.
- Reusing it in every document? Save the footer as a Quick Part.
Related: Change document properties in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show only the folder?
Not with a built-in field. The path includes the file name.
Does this work on a Mac?
Yes. Insert > Field > FileName, and add the \p switch for the path.
Summary
- Save the document first.
- Insert > Quick Parts > Field > FileName.
- Check Add path to filename.
- Press F9 to update after moving the file.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.