How to Create Auto Macros with Word 2010

By Doug Lowe with Ryan C. Williams from "Word 2010 All-in-One For Dummies"

An auto macro runs automatically whenever a key event happens, such as when Word starts or a document closes. Word 2010 recognizes auto macros by name. For example, a macro named AutoNew automatically runs when you create a new document from a template, and a macro named AutoClose automatically runs when you close a document.

To create an auto macro, you simply create a macro by using one of these special macro names:

AutoExec: Runs when Word starts. Store it in the Normal.dotm template.

AutoExit: Runs when Word exits. Store it in the Normal.dotm template.

AutoNew: Runs whenever a new document is created by using the template that contains the AutoNew macro.

AutoOpen: Runs whenever an existing document opens. You can create an AutoOpen macro in the Normal.dotm template or in the template that’s attached to the document or both.

AutoClose: Runs whenever an open document closes. This macro can reside in Normal.dotm or in the template attached to the document.

Tip

You can prevent any auto macro from executing by holding down the Shift key while performing the action that otherwise triggers the macro. For example, holding down the Shift key while creating a new document prevents the AutoNew macro from running.