Using AutoCorrect to Start Macros

Summary: As you are typing, AutoCorrect provides a "check" that what you are entering doesn't match some pre-defined error triggers. The idea is to make sure your text reflects what you intended to write, rather than what you really wrote. This tip discusses the concept of whether AutoCorrect can be used to not only "fix" what you type, but also start macros that could do even more processing. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

William asked if it was possible to somehow tie the macros within Word to AutoCorrect entries. In that way, if an AutoCorrect entry is generated, then a macro could be started to process text or fill in information more complex than what a regular AutoCorrect entry allows.

Unfortunately there is no way to tie the two together. (This is probably a fortunate thing--imagine the fun that virus makers could have with this one.) The closest feature within Word is the ability to set up shortcut keys for initiating macros. Exactly how you do this is discussed other issues of WordTips.

Tip #1540 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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