You probably already know about typing =rand() into Microsoft Word get a few paragraphs of text which can help you visualise a layout for your project – before the main content is ready.

However, this has been updated in Microsoft Word 2010 which has also added =lorem() which has a few paragraphs of the well known dummy text used in the printing and typesetting industry. The old random text is now contained in the function =rand.old().

You can now also be a little more specific in your requirements by adding two parameters to each function. The parameters control the number of paragraphs and the number of sentences so typing something like =rand(5,2) will produce five paragraphs each consisting of two sentences.

If the above does not work on your Microsoft Word then you may have “Replace text as you type” switched off in the options panel.

To correct this, head into File, Options, Proofing, click on the AutoCorrect Options button then click on the AutoCorrect Tab.

Locate the field that says “Replace text as you type” and ensure it is checked then click OK.