How to Generate Lorem Ipsum in Microsoft Word — 3 Free Methods

Microsoft Word has two built-in commands that generate placeholder text instantly: =lorem() and =rand(). Type either formula in a blank paragraph, press Enter, and Word fills the document with dummy text. No plugins, no copy-paste. Here is exactly how each method works — and when to skip Word entirely and use an online generator instead.

Method 1: The =lorem() Command in Word

The =lorem() formula is Word's native lorem ipsum generator. It produces classic lorem ipsum Latin-style placeholder text — the same text designers have used since the 1500s.

How to use it:

1. Open a blank Word document
2. Click in the body area (not a text box)
3. Type =lorem() on its own line — do not add any spaces before it
4. Press Enter

Word generates 5 paragraphs of lorem ipsum by default. You can control the output: =lorem(3,4) generates 3 paragraphs with 4 sentences each. The format is =lorem(paragraphs, sentences).

This works in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Microsoft 365. If the formula shows as text instead of triggering, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and make sure "Replace text as you type" is enabled.

Method 2: The =rand() Command

The =rand() command generates real English placeholder text instead of Latin. Word pulls sentences from its help documentation. This is useful when you want text that looks like real writing — for email mockups, presentation decks, or testing spell-check.

How to use it:

1. Place your cursor on a blank line
2. Type =rand() and press Enter

Same syntax as lorem: =rand(5,3) gives you 5 paragraphs of 3 sentences each. The downside is that the English content can distract readers during layout reviews — which is exactly why designers invented lorem ipsum in the first place. Use =rand() for internal drafts, =lorem() for client mockups where you want neutral filler.

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Method 3: Online Generator — When Word Is Not the Right Tool

Both Word formulas work beautifully inside Word. But a lot of real-world design work happens outside of Word — in Figma files, HTML templates, email builders, Google Docs, Notion, Webflow, or a plain text editor. In those cases, an online lorem ipsum generator is faster than opening Word just to copy text.

Our free generator at WildandFree Lorem Ipsum lets you choose paragraphs, sentences, or words, set an exact count, and copy to clipboard in one click. No signup, no account, nothing installed. It runs entirely in your browser, so it works on any device — including Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, and Linux machines where Microsoft Word is not available.

For developers testing HTML layouts or building mockup pages, the online generator is especially practical — you can quickly grab 3 paragraphs, 10 sentences, or 50 words and paste them wherever you need them.

Which Method Should You Use?

Situation	Best Method
Filling a Word document for a client	=lorem() in Word
Filling a Word doc and want real English	=rand() in Word
Designing in Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD	Online generator
Building an HTML page or email template	Online generator
Working on a Chromebook or iPad	Online generator
Need a specific word count for testing	Online generator (set to Words mode)
Writing in Google Docs	Online generator + paste

The Word formulas are convenient when you are already inside a Word document. For everything else — especially cross-platform and browser-based workflows — a dedicated online tool is faster and requires no software at all.

Common Problems With the Word Formula

=lorem() types as text instead of triggering: Autocorrect is probably disabled. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and make sure Replace Text As You Type is enabled. Alternatively, type the formula and press Enter immediately — do not click away first.

The formula only works at the start of a paragraph: Both =lorem() and =rand() must be on their own line with nothing else in the paragraph. If you have a space before the = sign, it will not trigger.

Word Online (the browser version) does not support these formulas: The =lorem() shortcut is a desktop-only feature. If you are using Word in a browser, you will need to use an online generator and paste the text in.

Need more control than Word allows: The Word formula lets you set paragraph and sentence count but nothing else. If you need exactly 500 characters, or want to generate words instead of full paragraphs, the online generator gives you that control with a simple number input.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does =lorem() do in Microsoft Word?

It generates lorem ipsum placeholder text — a standard Latin-based filler text used in design and publishing. The default output is 5 paragraphs. You can control it with =lorem(paragraphs, sentences), for example =lorem(3,5) for 3 paragraphs of 5 sentences each.

What is the difference between =lorem() and =rand() in Word?

=lorem() generates traditional lorem ipsum Latin placeholder text. =rand() generates real English sentences pulled from Word's help documentation. Use =lorem() when you want neutral text that does not distract readers. Use =rand() when you need English text for testing spell-check or grammar tools.

Can I generate lorem ipsum in Word Online or Google Docs?

The =lorem() shortcut is a desktop Word feature and does not work in Word Online. Google Docs does not have a built-in lorem ipsum command either. For both, use an online generator like WildandFree — copy the text and paste it into your document.

How do I get exactly 500 characters of lorem ipsum?

The Word formula does not let you specify a character count. Use an online lorem ipsum generator set to "Words" mode — 80-100 words typically produces around 500 characters. Or generate 1-2 paragraphs and trim to your exact count.