How to Generate Random Text on Microsoft Word for Mac

Microsoft Word for Mac includes a handy built-in feature for generating random text. This can be incredibly useful when you need placeholder or sample text for designing documents, creating tutorials, testing formatting, and more.

In this simple tutorial, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to generate random text right within Word for Mac.

Overview of the Random Text Feature

The random text generator in Word for Mac relies on the =rand() formula. When you type =rand() and hit enter, Word will automatically insert paragraphs of randomized text.

Benefits of using the built-in random text generator:

• Saves time – No need to manually type nonsense text or copy/paste from a generator website
• Customizable length – Specify how much text you want
• Latin placeholder text – Resembles lorem ipsum style filler content
• Built right into Word – Easy access from within your documents

Now let’s look at how to use this great feature.

Inserting Default Random Text

The easiest way to add random text is to simply use the =rand() formula with no parameters.

Follow these quick steps:

1. Place your cursor where you want the text to be inserted
2. Type =rand()
3. Hit enter

This will insert 5 paragraphs with 3 sentences each of randomized text.

Example:

=rand()

That’s all there is to it! The default text can work well as general placeholder content while drafting documents.

Next, let’s look at customizing the amount of text.

Customizing the Amount of Random Text

One of the best things about the built-in tool is that you can specify exactly how much placeholder text to generate.

This involves adding numeric parameters within the parentheses of the formula. Use the following syntax:

=rand(paragraphs, sentences)

Where:

• paragraphs is how many paragraphs you want
• sentences sets the number of sentences per paragraph

For example:

To insert 7 paragraphs with 5 sentences each:

=rand(7,5) 

You can set any numeric values for the paragraphs and sentences. Some other examples:

=rand(3,2) // 3 paragraphs with 2 sentences each

=rand(1,10) // 1 paragraph with 10 sentences  

Omitting the parameters entirely defaults back to 5 paragraphs, 3 sentences.

Feel free to experiment to generate precisely as much or as little random text as needed!

Creating Non-Latin Filler Text

In addition to the basic random text, there’s a formula for inserting more of a “lorem ipsum” style filler text. This can be useful when drafting designs, articles, or other content before the actual text is available.

Use the following formula:

=lorem()

Just like with =rand(), you can specify paragraphs and sentences as parameters:

=lorem(2,4) // 2 paragraphs, 4 sentences each

The filler text from =lorem() pulls from a bank of commonly used non-Latin words to simulate placeholder content.

Compatibility Notes

A few quick usage notes regarding compatibility:

• The =rand() and =lorem() formulas work in Word 2016 and newer for Mac
• Older versions of Word for Mac only support =rand.old() which inserts the pangram “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”
• For Windows, there is no built-in random text generator, but you can install an add-in to gain the functionality

As long as you have a modern version of Word for Mac, you’re all set to use the techniques covered in this article.

Practical Examples of Using Random Text

Now that you know how to generate randomized placeholder text right within Word, let’s talk about some of the most practical ways to put this tool to use.

Here are just a few ideas:

Drafting Documents and Templates

When drafting new documents or templates, the random text tool lets you add realistic content so you can visualize formatting, styles, and layout.

For example, generate text in sidebars, text boxes, headers/footers, tables, and more.

Creating Tutorials

If documenting processes in Word itself, you can use random text as the filler content instead of placeholder images or attempts at typing lorem ipsum. Looks more realistic!

Testing Word Features

Need to test out formatting options or macros? The random text allows you to run tests without needing to copy/paste or type sample text repeatedly.

Designing Documents for Clients

For freelancers, agencies, and others who design client documents, this built-in text generator is invaluable for mockups and drafts to get client signoff before adding the real content.

As you can see, the uses are almost endless!

Recap and Next Steps

Let’s do a quick recap of what we covered:

• How to insert random text – Use the =rand() formula and hit enter to get 5 paragraphs/3 sentences.
• Customizing the amount – Add parameters like =rand(10,5) to specify paragraphs and sentences
• Non-latin filler text – Use =lorem() for placeholder content similar to lorem ipsum
• Compatibility – Works in Word for Mac 2016 and newer

Now it’s your turn to put this tool to use to boost your productivity in Word!

Here are some next things to try:

• Generate placeholder text in an existing document draft
• Create a template for your standard company documents with random text
• Test out formatting options with sample text

The possibilities are endless. Thanks for reading and let me know if you have any other questions!