Forum Discussion
Macros don't work in Word 365
Unfortunately, support chat seems to be based on canned answers and is staffed by people who do not actually use or understand Word.
Both AutoText and AutoText can be used for text snippets. These are different features and are both valuable. I use both virtually every time I use Word.
AutoText can have keyboard shortcuts and can AutoComplete; AutoCorrect acts on trigger words as you type. Here are some more resources:
- Exploiting AutoCorrect by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
- Using Autotext to deal with repetitive text - Legal Office Guru
- Create reusable text snippets
- Word for Wordperfect Users
- AutoFormat and AutoCorrect (Tame AutoFormat) by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
For anyone who uses Word more than occasionally, I recommend the series of short tutorials prepared by Shauna Kelly a while back. Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly
If you haven't been using AutoText or AutoCorrect, I would guess that you may not have been using Styles to your advantage, either. The Importance of Styles in Microsoft Word
If you want to track down more on your macros, I recommend looking at some of the threads you will find on the Microsoft Answers forum. Here are three searches there:
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=macros%20stopped%20working&tab=&status=all&advFil=&IsSuggestedTerm=false&isFilterExpanded=undefined&CurrentScope.ForumName=msoffice&CurrentScope.Filter=msoffice_word&ContentTypeScope=&page=1&sort=Relevance&dir=Desc
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=can%27t%20record%20macro&tab=&status=all&advFil=&IsSuggestedTerm=false&isFilterExpanded=undefined&CurrentScope.ForumName=msoffice&CurrentScope.Filter=msoffice_word&ContentTypeScope=&page=1&sort=Relevance&dir=Desc
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=macros%20broken&tab=&status=all&advFil=&IsSuggestedTerm=false&isFilterExpanded=undefined&CurrentScope.ForumName=msoffice&CurrentScope.Filter=msoffice_word&ContentTypeScope=&page=1&sort=Relevance&dir=Desc
- Ihateword365Jan 24, 2024Copper ContributorWell the auto text is not findable at all when im in the middle a document and would like to add another auto text shortcut. where did it go? I can no longer see the macro option either and I believe it was within the same area as the macross... why the heck does every thing keep changing???? I was able to create several shortcut which are working fine but now that i would like to add more i can no longer see or search for the auto text. It brings up a GRAYED OUT option for adding autotext to my gallery???
- Ihateword365Jan 24, 2024Copper ContributorNevermind i finally found autocorrect under "insert symbols" because that makes sense... also macros magically reappeared. I still hate word 365. please don't bother replying.
- Charles_KenyonJan 25, 2024Bronze Contributor
It will be grayed out if you do not have anything selected.
Here is my page on using these features.