One very useful feature that all recent versions of MS Word have is the ability to record and play back macros (recorded keystrokes or commands) so that what you do over and over again can be done automatically.
To create a macro in Word, you first need a repetitive task that you want to record. In this example, we will create a macro that will change the font of the selected text to Arial, size to 16, and then make the text bold and italic, all automatically with one click.
Before you can record a macro to do what you want, you must first know how to do it so that you can record these steps. In this case, the way to do it is to first select some text and then do the following: click the Current Font box and select Arial, then click the Current Font Size box and select 16, then finish by clicking the Bold Italic Icons icon.
Record a macro in Word
To create a macro to do these things, first select the text in your document, then click the View tab on the main ribbon, then click the tiny down arrow below the Macros icon to open the next drop-down menu.
Click where it says “Record Macro” and you will see the following screen:
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Enter a name for your macro, then click the button icon.
Note. If you use more than one word in a macro name, it must have an underscore between the two words, otherwise Word will reject it.
You should have a screen like this:
Click the new macro name listed on the left side of the screen (below where appears) to select it, then click the Add button to add the macro to the shortcut , then click OK.
The Macro Setup window closes and you return to your document and your cursor turns into a tiny picture of an old-fashioned tape recorder. This means that your macro is being recorded, and now it’s time to do what you want to record.
- Click the Current Font field and select Ariel.
- Click the Font Size box and select 16.
- Click Bold and Italic. badges.
That’s all you need to record a macro. To stop recording, click the View tab on the main ribbon again, then click Macros and then Stop Recording.
Your macro should now be ready to use. To test this, select the text, then look at the Quick Access Toolbar ; a new macro icon should appear on it:
To test a macro, select the text, then click the new macro icon on the Quick Access Toolbar . The macro should run and complete any formatting tasks that you assigned to it.
Of course, there are more options and ways to record macros in Word, but this is by far the simplest and easiest way. Enjoy!
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