Convert Word Document Field Codes into Formatted Text

Reference management software such as EndNote, Mendeley, etc. are great time savers when inserting citations in a manuscript typed in Microsoft Word.  Sometimes it is necessary to modify or remove the field codes these programs place in a document.  Situations include the need to edit some of the fields or submit a text-only article to a journal.  In these instances, these fields need to be removed and replaced with the appropriately formatted text.  How is this done?  Its incredibly easy...as long as you know the keyboard shortcut.  Here are the two simple steps:

(1) Select the text you want to remove the field codes from.  This can be done by highlighting a section of interest or pressing Ctrl + A if you want to replace the field codes in the entire document.

(2) Press Ctrl + Shift + F9.  This is the actual step that converts field codes into formatted text.

That's it.  You're done!  All your MS Word field codes in your .doc file should now be removed and the appropriate formatted text should be inserted in their place.  Hope this works for you as easily as it did for me.  If you find this post particularly helpful, please help me out by clicking the +1 link on the bottom of the post.

Notepad++ Replace a Tab with a Newline

With the extended search mode in Notepad++, it is easy to replace non-character items using the Replace tool of Notepad++.  First open the replace dialogue box and click the radio button next to Extended (\n, \r, \t, \0, \x...) in the Search Mode box on the bottom left.  Now you are ready to look for these formatting expressions in your file.  Below are some examples.

To replace all tabs with newlines:
Find what: \t
Replace with: \r\n

To replace all newlines with tabs:
Find what: \r\n
Replace with: \t

Best Notepad++ Alternatives for Mac OS

I ❤ Notepad++.  Its a powerful, fully-loaded, and free text editing application that has been an invaluable tool for writing code in a variety of programming languages.  The only caveat: it's only available for Windows operating systems.  With the acquisition of my shiny, new Macbook Pro, I was incredibly disappointed to find out Notepad++ could not be installed on Macs; so much so I almost returned the Macbook.  Since I couldn't find a better laptop to meet my needs (and aesthetic desires), the quest has begun to find a comparable and preferably free text editor that runs on a Mac operating system.  I was surprised to find the list of candidates quite long.  Here are options I found, unfortunately not all options are free:

Aptana

Aquamacs

BBedit ($50)

Bluefish

Coda ($75)

Crossover (Windows emulator, $60) + Notepad++

Editra

Espresso ($75)

Fraise

gEdit

jEdit
Komodo Edit

TextEdit (the basic text editor pre-loaded on your Mac)

TextMate (€39 or about $53)
TextWrangler (free lite version of BBedit)
Smultron ($5)
SubEthaEdit (€29, or about $43)
Sublime ($70)
Tincta (free, Pro version for $16)
WINE (Windows emulator) + Notepad++

Apparently the market is saturated with Notepad++ "replacement" text editors for Macs.  The predominant text editors most recommended online are highlighted in bold.  While looking into the options, it became apparent there really is no one best Notepad++ replacement text editor.  It all really depends on what the user is using Notepad++ for and the options they need it to do (plus a bit of personal preference in user interface).  I have tried a few of the above options and am still not completely satisfied.  I am secretly hoping the folks responsible for Notepad++ are cooking up a way to install it on Macs.  The emulator approach to installing Notepad++ on a Mac also seems interesting.  I will have to try it when I have some free time.  In the meantime, I am curious what has been working best for you other Notepad++ lovers who have made the switch to a Mac.  Also, if you are aware of other text editors not mentioned here, please share!