Create or run a macro

In Word, you can automate frequently used tasks by creating and running macros. A macro is a series of commands and instructions that you group together as a single command to accomplish a task automatically.

To save time on tasks you do often, bundle the steps into a macro. First, you record the macro. Then you can run the macro by clicking a button on the Quick Access Toolbar or pressing a combination of keys. It depends on how you set it up.

Record a macro with a button:

1. Click View > Macros > Record Macro.
   
2. Type a name for the macro.
   
3. To use this macro in any new documents you make, be sure the Store macro in box says All Documents (Normal.dotm).
   
4. To run your macro when you click a button, click Button.
   
5. Click the new macro (it’s named something like Normal.NewMacros.<your macro name>), and click Add.
   
6. Click Modify.
   
7. Choose a button image, type the name you want, and click OK twice.
   
8. Now it’s time to record the steps. Click the commands or press the keys for each step in the task. Word records your clicks and keystrokes.
   Note: Use the keyboard to select text while you’re recording your macro. Macros don’t record selections made with a mouse.
9. To stop recording, click View > Macros > Stop Recording.
   

The button for your macro appears on the Quick Access Toolbar.

To run the macro, click the button.