Using Microsoft Word

10: Creating Macros

What Are Macros?

Macros are advanced features that speed repetitive tasks you may perform in a Word document. They record sequences of menu selections that you choose so that a series of actions can be completed in one step.

Recording A Macro

Suppose I am typing a document in Word. I have to type the following repetetively:
The answer to the question is:

I can create a Macro that does this in only one step.

To record a macro, follow these steps:
1- Click Tools> Macro> Record New Macro on the Menu bar.
Record New Macro

You will see the following dialog box:

Macro dialog box

2- Name the macro in the Macro Name field. I named mine "answer". The name cannot contain spaces and or begin with a number.

3- From the Store Macro In drop-down box, select the document you would like the macro to be associated with or choose "All Documents" to be able to use the macro in any document.

4- Enter a description of the macro in the Description field. This is for your reference so you remember what the macro does.

record macro

5- In the Assign Macro to: Press Keyboard. I assigned my macro to the keys Control + N. (See below: Press new shortcut key.)

6- Click Assign, then Close to begin recording.

customize keyboard

When you click Close, the Recording Window will appear. Close Pause button

7- Type: The answer to the question is:, then press the Stop Button.

Using the Macro

Now insteaad of typing the sentence, just type Control +N, and the sentence will be typed automatically.

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