Scribd
Upload
152 views

Macros in Microsoft Word: Recording The Macro

This document discusses macros in Microsoft Word. It explains that macros allow users to automate frequently used formatting by recording a series of steps once and executing them with a single command. It provides instructions on how to record a macro by selecting options, describes how to run the macro using the Macros dialog box, Quick Access toolbar, or keyboard shortcuts, and recommends storing macros locally for security on public computers.

Uploaded by

Harsh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
152 views

Macros in Microsoft Word: Recording The Macro

This document discusses macros in Microsoft Word. It explains that macros allow users to automate frequently used formatting by recording a series of steps once and executing them with a single command. It provides instructions on how to record a macro by selecting options, describes how to run the macro using the Macros dialog box, Quick Access toolbar, or keyboard shortcuts, and recommends storing macros locally for security on public computers.

Uploaded by

Harsh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Macros in Microsoft Word

South Puget Sound Community College


Student Computing Center
Written by: Chris Dorn

Macros – a little known tool in Microsoft Word – allow you to automate frequently used formatting
settings. Macros are especially useful when you find yourself making the same formatting changes
over and over again to multiple documents. Rather than repeat all of those steps every single
time, a macro allows you to record the steps and then execute all of them at once using a single
button or keyboard command.

This tutorial covers how to record and run macros. For trouble-shooting ideas, see our “Macro
Tips” tutorial.

Recording the Macro


To record a macro, select “Record Macro,” found on the Developer tab.

You can give your macro any name that you’d like, as long
as there are no spaces in the name.

The “Store macro in” dropdown menu gives you the option
to save the macro to all future Word documents or only to
documents based on your template.

If you are working on your personal computer, feel free to


select “All Documents.” If you are on a public computer,
however, it is recommended that you store your macro only
in the document or template you are working in.

SPSCC Student Computing Center__Macros __1


You can also write a description of what your macro does.
This is optional, and it serves as a reference for you so
that you can remember the purpose of each macro.

After clicking OK, Microsoft Word is recording everything


you do to the document, including formatting changes
and additions of text.

Once you have recorded all of the desired formatting changes and text insertions, click “Stop
Recording” on the Developer tab, and your macro is now ready to use!

Running the Macro: Macros Dialog Box


There are three ways to then use your recorded macro. The first is to select “Macros” from the
Developer tab.

Then, in the Macros dialog box which appears, select


the desired macro and click “Run.”

You should see your macro take effect right away.

SPSCC Student Computing Center__Macros __2


Running the Macro: Quick Access Toolbar
The second way is to assign the macro to your toolbar. To do this:

1. Go to the File tab.

2. Select Options

3. Select Quick Access Toolbar.

4. Under “Choose commands from,” select


“Macros” from the dropdown menu.

5. Select your desired macro(s) and click “Add.” You will then see your macros appear in the
right-hand box.

SPSCC Student Computing Center__Macros __3


6. (optional) If you want to customize the icon that will appear on the toolbar, select “Modify”
and choose whichever icon you’d like.

7. Click OK. You should now see your newly assigned icons at the top of your ribbon, on
your Quick Access toolbar. To run the macro, simply click on the icon.

Running the Macro: Keyboard Shortcuts


The third way to run your macros is to assign keyboard shortcuts to them. To do this:

1. Go to the File tab.

2. Select Options.

SPSCC Student Computing Center__Macros __4


3. Select Customize Ribbon from the left-hand
side.

4. Select the “Customize” button which


appears next to “Keyboard Shortcuts.”

5. Under “Categories,” scroll down to the bottom


and select Macros.

6. In the right-hand box, select the desired


macro.

7. Click in the “Press new shortcut key” and then


type the desired keyboard shortcut.*

*Hint: In order to avoid using pre-existing


keyboard shortcuts, try creating shortcuts
which use at least 3 keys, e.g. Ctrl + Alt + J
or Ctrl + A + P.

8. Select “Assign” and close the dialog box.

You can now press the keyboard shortcut to run your macro. Give it a try!

SPSCC Student Computing Center__Macros __5

You might also like