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Word Macros


Word Macros

Word Macros

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Learn step-by-step how to create, edit or delete Word macros for a document. You can also copy a Word macro to another document or template. If you're really juiced up with macros, you can even add it to a toolbar button, menu or shortcut key for easy access!

If you perform a task repeatedly in Word, you can automate the task by using a macro.

A macro is a series of Word commands and instructions that you group together as a single command to accomplish a task automatically.

Some other uses for macros can include:
► Speeding up routine editing and formatting.
► Combining multiple commands - for example, inserting a table with a specific size and borders, and with a specific number of rows and columns.
► Making an option in a dialog box more accessible
► Automate a complex series of tasks.

No matter what you choose to do, Word macros can make your daily tasks much easier!

Word Office Helper What's on this page...
Create a Macro
Assign a macro to a toolbar or menu
Assign a macro to a shortcut key
Run a Macro
Edit a Macro
Delete a Macro

Create Word Macros

The macro recorder can help you get started creating Word macros. Word records a macro as a series of Word commands in Visual Basic for Applications. When you're recording a macro, you can temporarily pause recording and then resume recording where you stopped.

When you record a macro, you can use the mouse to click commands and options, but the macro recorder doesn't record mouse movements in a document window. You must use the keyboard to record these actions.

Word Office Helper
Before you record or write a macro, first plan the steps and commands you want the macro to perform.

If you make a mistake when you record the macro, corrections you make will also be recorded. You can edit the macro later and remove unnecessary steps you recorded.

Try to anticipate any messages that Word might display that might halt your macro or be confusing when the macro is run.

If you want to use the macro you're recording in other documents, make sure that the macro doesn't depend on the current document's contents.

To create a macro by recording, follow these steps:

1. Choose "Tools" ► "Macro" ► "Record New Macro" from the menu bar.

The Record Macro dialog box opens.
   
Now is the time to enter the credentials of your macro!
 Word Macros: record macro dialog box
   
2. In the "Macro Name" text box, type a name for the macro which you are about to start recording.

CAUTION: You can't use spaces, hyphens or any other character in the name, but you can use underscores and numbers as well.
   
Word Office Helper
If you give a new macro the same name as an existing built-in command in Microsoft Word, the new macro actions will replace the existing actions.

To view a list of built-in macros in Word,
choose "Tools" ►  "Macro", and then click "Macros".

In the "Macros in" list, click "Word Commands".
   
3. From the "Store Macro In" drop-down list, select the template or document in which you want to store the macro.
   
4. Type a description for your new macro in the "Description" text box.
   
5. If you don't want to assign the macro to a toolbar, a menu, or shortcut keys, click OK to begin recording the macro.
   
  To assign the macro to a Toolbar or Menu:
► Click on the "Toolbars" button

Word Macros: Customize dialog box

► Click the "Commands" tab if is not already selected.
► In the Commands list box, click-and-drag, the macro you are recording, to the toolbar or menu you want to assign it to.
► Once done, click "Close" to begin recording the macro.
   
  To assign the macro to a Shortcut Key:
► Click the "Keyboard" button at the bottom of the window.

Word Macros: Customize Keyboard dialog box

► In the "Commands" list box, click the macro you are recording.
► In the "Press new shortcut key" text box, type the key sequence. (Press the actual shortcut key combination that you want to use).
► Click "Assign".
► Click "Close" to begin recording the macro.
   
Word Office Helper
You'll see that your mouse pointer has a little cassette added to it and a new toolbar appears on the screen.

Word Macros: Recording macro mouse pointer Recording Macro Mouse Pointer

Word Macros: stop recording macro toolbar Stop Recording Macro toolbar
   
6. Start performing the actions you want to include in your macro.
   
Word Office Helper IMPORTANT
 Use Shortcut Keys, not menu commands.

You can use the mouse to click commands and options, but the macro recorder cannot record mouse actions in a document window.

To move the insertion point or select, copy, or move text, for example, you must use shortcut keys.
   
7. To stop recording your Word macros, click the "Stop Recording" button to stop the macro.
  Word Macros: Stop Recording button Stop Recording button
 
Back to Top
 
See also... Run a Macro | Edit a Macro | Delete a Macro
 
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