Changing the author in Microsoft Word is pretty straightforward. You just need to access the document properties or the document info and replace the existing author name with the new one. Here’s how you can do it step by step.
Changing the author in Word will update the metadata of your document, so the new author’s name will appear. This can be helpful if you’re working on a collaborative document or if you’re taking over a document someone else started.
First, open the Microsoft Word document for which you want to change the author.
Make sure the document is accessible and not in read-only mode, as you’ll need to be able to edit the document properties to change the author.
Navigate to the "File" tab in the top menu of Word.
Clicking on the "File" tab will open the backstage view, where you can access various options for managing your document.
In the File tab, click on "Info" from the menu on the left side.
The "Info" section contains different properties of the document, including the author information that you want to change.
Look for the "Properties" dropdown menu on the right side and click it.
The "Properties" dropdown will give you access to more detailed information about the document, such as size, title, and author.
From the dropdown menu, select "Advanced Properties."
This will bring up a new window where you can edit various metadata fields, including the author name.
In the Advanced Properties window, go to the "Summary" tab and change the author name.
Make sure to write the new author’s name in the designated field and double-check for any typos or errors before closing the window.
Click "OK" to save the changes and then close the Properties window.
This will update the author information in your document, and you can now save the document to ensure all changes are retained.
After you complete these steps, the author’s name in your Word document will be updated to the new name you entered. The updated author name will now appear in the document properties and any related metadata.
No, you need to change the author name individually for each document.
No, changing the author only updates the document’s metadata and does not alter the actual content.
Make sure you’re using a recent version of Microsoft Word, as older versions may have a different interface.
Yes, you can add multiple authors in the "Advanced Properties" window by separating names with a semicolon.
Yes, you can remove or hide author information using the Document Inspector feature under the File tab.
Changing the author in Word is a simple yet crucial task, especially for collaborative projects or documents that pass through multiple hands before completion. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily update the author information and ensure your document is up-to-date with the correct metadata. This is particularly important for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that the proper individuals receive credit for their contributions.
If you find yourself frequently needing to update document properties, consider exploring more advanced features in Word that can streamline the process. For example, macros can automate repetitive tasks, saving you valuable time.
Remember to always save a backup copy of your document before making any significant changes. This way, you can quickly revert to the original if needed. Happy editing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.