9. In our example, from the File menu we would now choose Print.  We would change the number of copies to 5, then choose OK.  You can have any number of steps for the task you are performing, and you can use any of the menus and tools available.  Every character you type and/or click of your mouse is recorded. Since our macro is a simple macro for printing 5 copies, we are now done recording.

10. Choose Stop Recording on the Stop toolbar.  The toolbar disappears, and you are finished!

11. Test your macro by pressing the shortcut key you have chosen.  In this example, Alt+P.  It should print five copies of the current document.

Note:  It is easy to get a bit nervous when recording a macro, much like if you were recording something on an actual tape recorder.  Remember, though, that Word is recording what you do and not the speed at which you do it.  Take your time and be sure it is exactly what you want.  If you make a slight mistake, don't panic!  Fix it and keep going - your mistake and fix is recorded in the macro, but macros execute commands so fast you won't even be able to tell.  If you totally mess things up, choose Stop Recording, delete the macro, and try again.

To delete a macro when it is no longer needed, or to re-record a macro:

1. From the Tools menu, choose Macro and Macros.

2. In the Macros dialog box, select the macro you want to delete, and choose Delete and Close.

You would go to the same box to edit your macro with the Edit button.  However, this opens the Visual Basic Editor and unless you know VBA you may not be able to make the changes you would like.  If you need to make changes and are unfamiliar with VBA, it is best just to delete the old one and record a new one.

Once you see how fast and easy macros make your common tasks, you will be addicted!  Have fun automating!

Do you like this tutorial?  Want a printer-friendly version?  Consider this.