Diary outlines

RobinClay 

I understand your challenge and desire to automate the outline creation process for your transcribed diaries. Here are some approaches you can consider:

Option 1: Macros in Microsoft Word

1. Create macros for each outline type: You can create separate macros for creating monthly and yearly outlines. Each macro can use the Selection.TypeText method to insert formatted text based on user input (year and month number).

2. Style and formatting: Use the Selection.Style method to apply different font sizes and bold styles for headings and regular text.

3. Limitations: Macros might not work perfectly across different Word versions or operating systems. They also require some knowledge of VBA programming.

Option 2: Mail Merge in Microsoft Word

1. Create a template document: Design the basic layout for month and year outlines with placeholder text for dates and entries.

2. Create a data source: Prepare a separate Excel file with year, month, and note information for each month/year.

3. Perform a Mail Merge: Use the Mail Merge feature to automatically merge data from the Excel file with the template document, generating individual outlines.

4. Drawbacks: Mail Merge might not offer the same level of flexibility as macros for complex formatting.

Option 3: Python Scripting

1. Write a Python script: Use libraries like docx or openpyxl to manipulate Word documents and Excel files.

2. Automated creation: The script can take user input (year and month) and generate formatted outlines based on your desired structure.

3. Advanced capabilities: Python offers more flexibility and control compared to macros, allowing for complex logic and conditional formatting.

4. Learning curve: Requires some programming knowledge in Python.

Additional Tips:

• Explore online resources and tutorials specific to your chosen method (macros, Mail Merge, Python) for detailed instructions.
• Consider using online tools like Google Docs or dedicated diary management software, which might offer built-in automation features.
• Remember to back up your data regularly before attempting any automation process.

I hope this provides a starting point for your exploration!