6 Quick Ways to Get the Full Path of Your Word Document File

In this article, we will talk about 6 quick ways to help you with viewing and getting the Full path of your Word document file.

From time to time, there is the need to view and get the full path of a Word document. For instance, you are working in a team, and you may need to share files with your colleagues. Then make the file path clear to see can greatly improve working efficiency. Or there are times when you need to access to others files stored on the same location where the current open document is.

Honestly, it’s not a complicated task, and there are ways out there.

Method 1: Add “Document Location” Command to “Quick Access Toolbar”

Normally, the commands in the Ribbon are ones we use most. However, there are many commands off the Ribbon and can be really useful sometimes. “Document Location” is one of those.

  1. At first, click “File” tab in Word and then “Options”.
  2. In the “Word Options” dialog box open, click “Quick Access Toolbar” first.
  3. Then choose “Commands Not in the Ribbon” from the drop-down list.
  4. Next find and click on the “Document Location” command.
  5. Click “Add” then.
  6. Finally, click “OK”.Click "Quick Access Toolbar" ->Choose "Commands Not in the Ribbon" ->Find and Click "Document Location" ->Click "Add" ->Click "OK"

Now you can see the full path of the file showing on the “Document Location” box.Adding "Document Location" to "Quick Access Toolbar"

Method 2: Insert File Name to Header or Footer

You can also choose to insert a field displaying the file path to header or footer so they can appear on every page of the document.

  1. First and foremost, double click on the header area to enter it.
  2. Next, click “Insert” tab.
  3. Then click “Quick Parts” in “Text” group.
  4. And choose “Field” on the list.Double Click to Enter Header ->Click "Insert" ->Click "Quick Parts" ->Click "Field"
  5. Now in the “Field” dialog box, choose “Document Information” for category.
  6. Next select “FileName” for “Field names”.
  7. Then in “Field options” part, you must check “Add path to filename” box.
  8. Next, click “OK” and double click on non-header area to exit.Choose "Document Information" for Category ->Choose "FileName" for Field Name ->Check "Add path to filename" Box ->Click "OK"Insert a Field

Method 3: Check the Information in Backstage View

If you have opened a Word file, there is the relative information about it in the backstage view. You can see them by clicking “File” tab. By default, the “Info” id displayed. You can see the file path of the document on the right side.Click "File" ->Click "Info"

Method 4: View through the Recent Files

  1. Click “File” tab.
  2. Then click “Recent”. You can see a list of recent document names on the right side.
  3. Just hover your cursor over the file name, and you will see the full path of where it’s stored. Normally, the document you currently open is on the top of the list, so you can easily find it. If you ever pin a document there, then the next file below is the document you are viewing. And there is also the “Recent Places” list, where you can directly go to open the file folder through the “Open” window.Click ”File“ ->Click “Recent“

Method 5: Use the “Save As” Window

Generally, the file you open has been saved before. So click “File” and then click “Save As”. On the “Save As” window, you can clearly see the full path.Click "File" ->Click "Save As"

View File Path From "Save As" Window

Method 6: Make Use of VBA Codes

  1. At first, press “Alt+ F11” to open the VBA editor.
  2. Next just paste the following codes and click “Run”:
Sub DisplayFileFullPath()
  MsgBox ActiveDocument.FullName
End Sub

Paste VBA Codes ->Click "Run"

You will be greeted with a message box, in which is the full path of the file.

A Message Box

Comparison of 6 Methods

Methods Advantages Disadvantages
Method 1: Add “Document Location” Command to “Quick Access Toolbar” 1.        You can see the file location directly on the “Quick Access Toolbar”.

2.        You can copy the path.

The command box size is fixed, so you can’t view the full path at a glance sometimes.
Method 2: Insert File Name to Header or Footer 1.        The file path will appear on every page of the document.

2.        You can copy the path.

You have to enter the header or footer before you are able to copy the path.
Method 3: Check the Information in Backstage View You can copy the path. Every time you have to switch back to backstage view to see the path.
Method 4: View through the Recent Files 1.        You can copy the path.

2.        You can open other files stored in the same location.

You have to switch back to backstage view.
Method 5: Use the “Save As” Window You can copy the path. You have to repeat steps every time you need to view a file path.
Method 6: Make Use of VBA Codes You can add the macro to “Quick Access Toolbar” to quickly view the path next time. You can’t copy the path from the message box.

Prevent Word from Crashing down

Any software can fail. So does Word. But the truth is Word collapses due to user errors more often than not. Thus, to form a good habit of using Word is a critical way to avoid crashes. And if it ever breaks down, choose a proficient Word damage fix tool can be helpful.

Author Introduction:

Vera Chen is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including Excel problem recovery utility and pdf repair software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com

9 responses to “6 Quick Ways to Get the Full Path of Your Word Document File”

  1. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  2. “Now you can see the full path of the file showing on the “Document Location” box.” This is the kind of s*** that makes me hate websites like this.

  3. Very nice site. About the worst aspect is the worst aspect of every system (e.g. Excel): It lists use of a programming language as an ADVANTAGE to that method. Telling the user to write a program if they want something would get any programmer fired on the spot!

  4. Insert file name field in doc/header/ footer: NO NO NEVER USE THIS METHOD! This field is not dynamically updated in this method, if you save the file under a new name this field will NOT BE UPDATED with the new file name! WHEW, What a TIME BOMB!

  5. This is a variation on Method 3. using Word 365
    Customise the quick access toolbar to include the ‘Properties’ command.
    This opens the backstage document Info page which shows the path and is only a short mouse movement to click either the ‘Copy path’ or ‘Open file location’ buttons.

  6. Looks like that command name has now changed to Address [Document Location]. So it’s alpha sorted in the A’s and can still be added following the instructions above.

  7. Word 365 no longer has the Document Location command in Customize Quick Access Toolbar. And, of course, I want that command, because it is much less cumbersome than using the Insert Field command. Is there any way to get that command back?

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