Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Saving Find and Replace Operations.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 30, 2017)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
When processing documents, Melinda often has to do the same Find and Replace operations again and again. For instance, a common operation may be to search for a report name in an old format and replace it with one in a new format. This can be done easily enough using Find and Replace, but Melinda would love a way to be able to save her common Find and Replace operations so that she can call them up and execute them at will. (This is easy to do in some programs, such as InDesign.)
Perhaps the easiest way to do this in Word is by recording a macro that performs your Find and Replace operation. The macro could then be "replayed" whenever you need to do the same operation, even on other documents. You could even assign the macro to a toolbar, a menu, or a shortcut key.
If you don't want to use a macro, then you might be interested in third-party add-in that can enhance how you use Find and Replace. Check out MegaReplacer from The Editorium:
http://www.editorium.com/14843.htm
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11135) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Saving Find and Replace Operations.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
The wildcard searching available in Word is very powerful. Here's how you can use ordering in your search efforts to make ...
Discover MoreNeed to search for information in a table? Word allows you to easily limit your search to an entire column or row, as ...
Discover MoreFind and Replace can work great, but not necessarily for text within text boxes. This tip discusses all the ins and outs ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments