Macros

Some Math or Science teachers are in the habit of leaving empty spaces as they prepare work for their classes. After printing one copy, they will go back to the empty spaces and hand draw the mathematic or scientific symbols needed before printing a class set of the assignments or tests.

An AutoExec macro will run everytime Word starts. This can be a handy tool for certain macros -- particularly if you're looking for as much automation as possible. Find out more on AutoExec macros.

One of the best uses for macros is to format your text. Read this quick tip to find out how you can create a macro that will apply customized formatting to a select part of your document.

If you have macros from a trusted source but that are unsigned, you can use this tip to change the macro security level in Word. Of course, you should use an abundance of caution when changing this setting.

Macros have the reputation of being difficult to work with. Don't let this intimidate you; with careful planning, you can use them to automate processes and make your life easier.

The first method below is based on code developed by fellow MVP Doug Robbins reproduced in a web page he developed for the MVP FAQ site. The number sequence is stored in an editable text file called Settings.ini which is stored here in the Word startup folder.....

Word does not handle negative numbers correctly in calculated fields, because Word apparently makes the comparison between such items as alpha-numeric character groups rather than negative numbers.

Sometimes when working with Word documents, you may wish to save numbered (and dated) versions of the document for future reference. The following macro was based on a simple numbering macro written by fellow Word MVP Doug Robbins and should be attached to a personal toolbar button.

Users frequently complain that dates they have inserted into Word documents update automatically when the document is opened. The reason is that they have inserted a DATE field which shows the system date. What is needed is change those date fields for CREATEDATE fields, which when updated will display the dates the documents were created ....

The macrobutton field can be used as a place marker within a document or template, or, as the name implies, be used to run a macro. This page demonstrates a couple of potential uses for this handy field.