You can run OnStyle checks without assigning a DocConfig.  Authoring tools depend on a DocConfig, but the Validation pane and view controls remain available so you can review and fix issues in any Word document. In this case, inspection modules that work independently of DocConfig settings are available, and general modules use default configuration values. Export options are also available independently of DocConfig.

Prerequisites #

A DocConfig is not required to run Validation.

The Export group in the Tools menu is available without a DocConfig only from OnStyle 3.5.1 or later.

What you can do without a DocConfig #

• Run Validation: execute an Inspection module, Inspection group, or the full Inspection set.
• Apply fixes listed in Inspection Results: many correction options (e.g., Remove Highlight, Remove Hidden Formatting, Fix Heading Link) work independently of a DocConfig.
• Use view controls in the View group: show/hide Line Numbers, Paragraph Marks, Styles, Table Gridlines to inspect structure.
• Access the Export group in the Tools menu: Use functions such as Export Comments to Excel, Export Links to Excel, and Export Anonymized Document.

Steps: validate a document without a DocConfig #

• Open your document in Microsoft Word.
• Click the OnStyle tab on the Ribbon.
• Do not select a DocConfig in the Configuration group.
• In the Validation group, choose an Inspection module, group, or Execute Inspection Set.
• Review issues in the Inspection Results pane and apply available fixes.

Limitations when no DocConfig is assigned #

• Authoring tools require a DocConfig: quick styles, standard table/figure titles, and most Tools are hidden.
• Style‑dependent inspections and fixes that compare against company standard styles may be unavailable or provide reduced checks without a DocConfig.
• DocConfig‑specific outputs (e.g., default page layout, TOC/LOT/LOF formats) are not applied.

Important

Validation works with or without a DocConfig. If you later assign a DocConfig, additional modules and fixes become available.

Limitation

OnStyle’s authoring functions and Export External References are available only when a DocConfig is assigned to the document.

Tip

• Prefer the View group to expose structure issues before running Validation.
• If a fix is unavailable, check the Additional Information in Inspection Results > Additional steps are below for the reason (e.g., range overlap) and correct manually.