Word 2013 Bible

CHAPTER 32

Macros: Recording, Editing, and Using Them

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Recording macros
• Editing macros
• Testing macros
• Using SelfCert to create your own certificate for digitally signing macros
• The top 10 things you need to know about Visual Basic

Word macros are programs that you use to automate things you do in Word. At their simplest, macros can automate repetitive chores. At their most complex, macros are full-blown VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programs that add features to Word. You can use macros to create shortcuts to features that aren't directly available and assign them to the Quick Access Toolbar or to keyboard shortcuts. You also can use a macro to perform a series of editing steps.

Why are they called macros? Macro means big. In effect, a macro is a way of boiling a lot of instructions (something big) into a single command (something small).

When Word for Windows first came out, a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, its macro language was something called WordBASIC. At the time, it was new, exciting, and powerful, and was far easier to use than it is today, unfortunately. With that ease, however, came malice. It wasn't too terribly long before the macro virus was born, and life hasn't been as simple or as pleasant since.

As a result, much of the emphasis and coverage of macros necessarily deals with security and how you ensure that only the macros you trust can frolic across your computer screen. In this chapter, you learn about recording macros, performing ...