 Easy Supermacros Automate Frequent Tasks |
|
Sure, automating some Word functions has always been possible. It's easy to set up macros that automate a series of commands or even type a block of text. But beyond these prosaic instructions lies an order of special Word macros that run automatically, requiring no action on your part. You create the macros yourself, but you must name them in accordance with the list below. They have the power to control Word in a number of particular circumstances. And if you know how to program in the macro language that your version of Word uses, you can hone them to do even more. Here's a list of Word's automatic macros, with descriptions and a step-by-step guide to customizing them. They work in any version of Word, from 7 through 2000.
AutoExec runs whenever you start Word. It can automatically load a template other than the default normal.dot, set page margins, load a specific document you edit every day, or carry out any set of operations you normally perform when you first start Word. You must store this macro in the normal.dot template. AutoOpen runs whenever you open an existing document. You can use the macro to do several things: to save a temporary backup copy of the file before you edit it, to jump to a bookmark within it, or to select a particular document view. You can store this macro in any template or even in a specific document. AutoNew starts whenever you use the File-New command to create a new document. Use it to automate functions such as Word's View mode -- Word otherwise cannot be preset to start in a particular mode. AutoClose goes into operation each time you use the File-Close command or the Close button to close a document. This macro, stored in any template, is handy for saving a document automatically when you close it, avoiding Word's save-prompt dialog box. AutoExit functions only when you exit Word. You can use it to save the current document or even to save all documents before exiting. Note: To access Word's Save All command--which will save all your open documents -- you must hold down <Shift> while you select File. DISABLING AUTO MACROS. Sometimes you may want to temporarily disable an automatic macro. To do so, hold down <Shift> while you execute a command that would cause the macro to run, and keep holding it down until the operation is complete. For example: To prevent an AutoExec macro from running, hold down <Shift> while you click the Word icon in the Start-Programs menu or on the desktop, and continue to hold it down until Word opens. RECORDING AN AUTO MACRO. If you'll be saving the macro in a specific template, select File-New, and choose that template to create a new document. Double-click REC on the Word status bar. Type one of the five Auto macro names in the "Macro name" field of the Record Macro dialog box. Select a template or document for the macro in the "Store macro in" drop-down list. If you wish, type a brief description of the macro in the "Description" field. Click OK. Perform the tasks you want to record. Double-click REC on the Word status bar to stop recording and save the macro. |
Category:Word Processing Issue: January 2000 |
These Web pages are produced by Australian PC World © 1999 IDG Communications