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HarriedHistorian's avatar
HarriedHistorian
Copper Contributor
Jun 21, 2022

Opening Word in last view mode

Hi everyone,

 

When opening a Word document in previous versions, you'd get a small box on the right side that allowed you to return to your last edited location. I've noticed that that box has mostly disappeared since they introduced AutoSave. I know the shift+F5 is supposed to do the same thing but it only works when you add a new edit, which is not what I want. I want a function that replaces the "where you left off" box or at least makes it more consistent. 

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  • Stefan_Blom's avatar
    Stefan_Blom
    MVP
    Jul 05, 2022

    HarriedHistorian 

     

    You can make use of some auto macros that adds a bookmark at the edit location when you save your document. When you re-open a document, an auto macro will select the content of that bookmark. Macros have been created by MVP Graham Mayor. 

     

    Add the following sub routines to your Normal template (if you already have sub routines with those names, add the code to them instead): 

     

     

    
Sub FileSave()
On Error Resume Next
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Add Range:=Selection.Range, name:="OpenAt"
ActiveDocument.Save
End Sub

Sub FileSaveAs()
On Error Resume Next
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Add Range:=Selection.Range, name:="OpenAt"
Dialogs(wdDialogFileSaveAs).Show
End Sub


Sub AutoOpen()
If ActiveDocument.Bookmarks.Exists("OpenAt") = True Then
ActiveDocument.Bookmarks("OpenAt").Select
End If
End Sub

     

     

    For instructions, see https://www.gmayor.com/installing_macro.htm.

    • scriptpreneur's avatar
      scriptpreneur
      Copper Contributor
      Dec 07, 2022

      Stefan_Blom 

      To make this more searchable for others, the phrase often used is "pick up where you left off."

       

      I remember doing something with Macros many years ago to ensure I could always return to the last place I was in a file. It's 100% MANDATORY for an editor to be able to return to the last place edited.

       

      I'm on Mac, so nothing I'm seeing here or in links matches up. Somehow I miraculously found a way to make DEVELOPER appear in my "ribbon" but I don't see anything like what is described.

       

      No "create" button. For non-techies, this is ultra advanced. I just want to open my files where I last edited. Any tips for a poor, dumb editor who just wants to use Word in a logical way?

       

      • Stefan_Blom's avatar
        Stefan_Blom
        MVP
        Dec 09, 2022

        scriptpreneur 

         

        If you want to try the macros, you can do the following: Click the Visual Basic button on the Developer tab to display the Visual Basic Editor. You should be able to paste in the code from my previous reply into a module in the Normal project (= the Normal template). Sorry, I do not have a Mac so I can't provide specific instructions. I also do not know if the macros work flawlessly in Word for Mac.

  • Teresa_Cyrus's avatar
    Teresa_Cyrus
    MVP
    Jun 27, 2022

    Hi HarriedHistorian 

     

    I am an independent advisor and am investigating this request.

    Based on my extensive research, this feature has been inconsistent over the years.  My only guess is Microsoft has retired this feature without telling anyone.  Feel free to give Microsoft your feedback if you feel strongly about it. (Word: Help | Feedback)

    You didn't mention which Office application version you were using in your post. I have the latest Microsoft / Office 365 Business account with desktop and online apps.  

    • In the desktop version, I even searched "the feature name" in the Help portal and nothing came up. hmmm. 
    • I know this feature is unavailable in the online version. And the new Catch Up feature is not what you are looking for. Its primary purpose is to navigate you to the last comment or activity made by your colleagues, not your work per se.

    Again, I guess that Microsoft has discontinued this feature.  

    If you find this information helpful, please like or choose the best response to help other users—even if you disagree with Microsoft's decision. Keep in mind that I am a user just like you, and Microsoft's changes impact me, too. So, remember to be kind to me.

    Teresa

    #traccreations4e

     

     

     

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