Changing the date format of Merge Fields in Document Templates (e.g. between UK, US, ISO)

Important note: read this first

This article is under review while we attempt to make all documents generated from document templates in RecyclyERP automatically use the date format set in your RecyclyERP system.  This will save existing and new users a lot of setup / config time.

Note that we are also considering a feature to be able to override the format per template, as this would be useful for when working across multiple countries.

Overview

Recycly includes a small library of Microsoft Word document templates to help you get started quickly.

Depending on your region, you may wish to change how dates are displayed. For example:

• UK format: 23/02/2026
• US format: 02/23/2026
• ISO format: 2026-02-23

This article explains how to adjust the date format in a Word mail merge field.

Step 1 – Show the Field Code

1. Open the Word template.
2. Click inside the date field (e.g. Order Date).
3. Press Shift + F9 to display the field code.

You will see something similar to:

{ MERGEFIELD record.date_order }

Important:

• The braces { } are special Word field braces.
• Do not type them manually. They are inserted using Ctrl + F9.

Step 2 – Add a Date Format Switch

To control how Word displays the date, add a formatting switch using \@.

Example – US format

{ MERGEFIELD record.date_order \@ "MM/dd/yyyy" }

Output example:

02/23/2026

Example – UK format

{ MERGEFIELD record.date_order \@ "dd/MM/yyyy" }

Output example:

23/02/2026

Example – ISO format

{ MERGEFIELD record.date_order \@ "yyyy-MM-dd" }

Output example:

2026-02-23

After editing:

1. Press F9 to update the field.
2. Press Shift + F9 again to return to normal view.

Common Date Format Codes

You can combine these as required for your region.

If the Format Does Not Update

Occasionally, Microsoft Word may ignore formatting switches depending on how it connects to the data source.

If the format does not change:

1. Go to File > Options > Advanced.
2. Scroll to General.
3. Tick Confirm file format conversion on open.
4. Reconnect the data source.
5. When prompted, choose the DDE connection option.

This usually ensures Word respects the date formatting switch.

Summary

Recycly templates are designed to be adaptable.

To change date format:

• Edit the MERGEFIELD.
• Add the \@ date format switch.
• Update the field.

This allows you to tailor document output to your regional standards without modifying the underlying data.