course microsoft training word - Why does my date format appear in grey and in a code format?

When you select Insert, Date and Time, choose a format and check the Update Automatically box and click OK.

The date will appear as the code {DATE \@"dddd, dd MMMM yyyy"} if you have Field codes turned on in Tools, Options, View.

Also if your date appears in grey, the Field shading is turned on.

To turn off, select Tools, Options, View.

Under the Show section and the Field Shading drop down list you can choose to Always show fielding, Never show or When selected.