How to Insert Lorem Ipsum in Word (=lorem) and Other Apps
Type =lorem() or =rand() in Word to insert sample text, set paragraphs and lines, fix it when nothing happens, and generate Lorem Ipsum for any other app.
The short answer
In Microsoft Word, type =lorem() on a new line and press Enter. Word replaces it with three paragraphs of Lorem Ipsum. Use =lorem(5,4) for five paragraphs of four lines each, or =rand() for readable English sample text instead of pseudo-Latin. If nothing happens, turn on Replace text as you type in Word's AutoCorrect options. In any other app, generate the text with the Lorem Ipsum Generator and paste it in.
The Word commands, explained
Microsoft documents two sample-text commands. Both take two optional numbers in brackets: the first is the number of paragraphs, and the second is the number of lines per paragraph.
| What you type | What you get |
|---|---|
| =lorem() | 3 paragraphs of pseudo-Latin, 3 lines each |
| =lorem(5) | 5 paragraphs of pseudo-Latin |
| =lorem(2,6) | 2 paragraphs, 6 lines each |
| =rand() | 3 paragraphs of real, readable sample text in Word's language |
| =rand(4,2) | 4 paragraphs, 2 lines each |
The difference between them matters:
- =lorem() gives the classic "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet…" style placeholder. It is not localized, so it is the same in every language version of Word.
- =rand() gives sample text in the language of your copy of Word. It is useful when you want to test how real sentences look in a template, such as hyphenation, line breaks and spelling tools.
How to use it, step by step
=lorem(3,5) (or whichever numbers you want).If =lorem() does not work
Microsoft notes that this sample-text feature is on by default but is disabled when Replace text as you type is switched off. To check on Windows:
Other things to check:
- Typing it differently. Type the command exactly as shown, with no spaces:
=lorem(2,3). - Not at the start of a line. If there is other text on the line, Word leaves the command as plain text.
- You are not in Word. These commands are a Word feature. Typing
=lorem()in other editors simply leaves the characters on the page.
Getting Lorem Ipsum anywhere else
For Google Docs, Canva, Figma, website builders, email templates, PowerPoint or a code editor, the simplest route is a generator:
How the generator builds its text:
- The first paragraph, sentence or word list always starts with "Lorem ipsum", so it is recognisable as placeholder text.
- Each sentence has between 8 and 20 words, picked at random from a list of classic Lorem Ipsum words, with a capital letter at the start and a full stop at the end.
- Each paragraph has between 3 and 6 sentences.
- Because the words are random, every click gives different text. If you need identical text in several places, generate once and reuse it.
The words mode is handy when a field has a word limit, for example testing that a product description box looks right at exactly 50 words.
Which option should you use?
| Situation | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Laying out a Word report or template | =lorem() in Word | Fastest, no copy and paste |
| Testing how real sentences hyphenate and wrap | =rand() in Word | Real words behave like real copy |
| Designing in Figma, Canva or a website builder | Lorem Ipsum Generator | Works in any app |
| Filling a field to an exact word count | Generator in words mode | Set the count directly |
| Mock-ups that a client will review | Real draft copy | Placeholder text hides length and tone problems |
Tips for using placeholder text well
- Match the expected length. If the real headline will be eight words, do not test with three. Generate sentences or words to the length you expect.
- Mark it clearly. Lorem Ipsum is obvious to designers but not always to clients or colleagues. Highlight it or add a note so it does not get published by accident.
- Search before you publish. Use Find (Ctrl+F) for "lorem" in the final document or web page. Placeholder text left on a live page looks careless.
- Do not use it to judge readability. Pseudo-Latin has no meaning, so it cannot tell you whether a layout reads well. Switch to real draft text for that.
- Check the word count. If you need to know how long a block of placeholder text is, paste it into the Word Counter.
Common mistakes
- Typing the command mid-sentence. It must be on its own line.
- Expecting =lorem() to work in Google Docs. It is a Microsoft Word feature. Use a generator elsewhere.
- Leaving placeholder text in alt text, meta descriptions or email subject lines. These are easy to miss because they are not visible on the page.
- Assuming the text has hidden meaning. Lorem Ipsum is scrambled Latin. Our guide below explains where it comes from.
Related tools and guides
- Where Lorem Ipsum comes from and how much to use: What Is Lorem Ipsum?
- Counting words and characters in your draft: Word Counter
- Finding and replacing leftover placeholder text in bulk: Find and Replace Text
Frequently asked questions
How do I insert Lorem Ipsum in Word?
Type =lorem() on a new, empty line and press Enter. Word inserts three paragraphs of Lorem Ipsum.
How do I control how much text =lorem() inserts?
Add two numbers: =lorem(p,l), where p is paragraphs and l is lines per paragraph. =lorem(5,4) gives five paragraphs of four lines.
What is the difference between =rand() and =lorem()?
=lorem() inserts pseudo-Latin placeholder text. =rand() inserts readable sample text in the language of your copy of Word.
Why does =lorem() not work in Word?
The feature is disabled when Replace text as you type is turned off. Turn it on under File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options, and type the command on its own line.
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