To add conditional logic inside Microsoft Word documents, Word supports IF statements using Field Codes, not normal formulas.

What an IF statement in Word is

Word uses this syntax:

{ IF condition "True result" "False result" }

⚠️ Curly braces must be inserted with the keyboard, not typed.

Insert field braces:
👉 Ctrl + F9

Simple example (most common)

Show text only if a value matches

{ IF "{ MERGEFIELD Status }" = "Approved" "Approved ✔" "Pending" }

Used heavily in:

Contracts

Letters

Reports

Mail merge documents

Common use cases

1. Mail Merge conditions

Example: Different greeting based on title

{ IF "{ MERGEFIELD Title }" = "Dr" "Dear Doctor" "Dear { MERGEFIELD FirstName }" }

2. Show / hide clauses

Example: Include a paragraph only if a checkbox is Yes

{ IF "{ REF IncludeClause }" = "Yes"
"This clause applies."
"" }

(Empty quotes = show nothing)

3. Numeric comparison

{ IF { MERGEFIELD Amount } > 10000 "Senior approval required" "" }

Supported operators:

=

>

<

>=

<=

<> (not equal)

4. Nested IF statements

Yes, they work — but keep them readable.

{ IF "{ MERGEFIELD Type }" = "A"
"Type A terms"
{ IF "{ MERGEFIELD Type }" = "B"
"Type B terms"
"Standard terms"
} }

How to work with IF fields properly

Toggle field code view

Alt + F9 → show all field codes

Shift + F9 → toggle selected field

Update fields

Select document → F9

Or right-click field → Update Field

Common mistakes (very common)

❌ Typing {} manually
❌ Forgetting quotes around text
❌ Spaces inside merge field names
❌ Not updating fields after changes

When Word IF statements are the wrong tool

If you need:

• Complex logic
• Calculations
• Repeating data
• Validation rules

Quick checklist

✔ Use Ctrl + F9
✔ Wrap text in quotes
✔ Update fields
✔ Keep logic simple