How to Find and Replace Multiple Word Documents

"Replace" is a very useful function in Microsoft Word. Adding on to the standard search tool "Find," "Replace" will automatically seek out your chosen word or phrase and replace it with another word or phrase. This is a handy alternative to the typical spell-check feature, and the "Replace All" option can be especially vital when fixing names of people or places in a shorthand document. As well, newer versions of Word store your previous phrases for easy reference and repetition across multiple documents.

Instructions

1. Click on "Replace" in the upper right-hand side of the Home tab in Microsoft Word. You will be prompted to enter your desired text to find, and the appropriate replacement text.

2. Click on "Replace" to find and replace the instance of the text following your current cursor position in the active document. You can also use "Find Next" to jump to the next instance of your chosen text before replacing it.

3. Click on "Replace All" to find and replace all instances of your chosen text within the document. Word will alert you as to how many replacements have been made.

4. Repeat this process across the documents you want to edit. Word will store your recent text for easy access.

Tips & Warnings

• Undo the replacement or replacements by pressing "Ctrl-Z" or clicking the counterclockwise arrow at the top of the window.

References

• Microsoft Office: Find and Replace Text or Other Items