Macro of the Month – August 2021 – CustomKeys

Speeds up assigning shortcuts by opening the Customize Keyboard dialogue box and selecting the macro category

This issue features more of a housekeeping macro, one that speeds up the process of assigning keyboard shortcuts to your macros, and the second installment in the brief series about common errors the occur when installing and using macros and how you can avoid them.

CustomKeys

To assign a keyboard shortcut to a macro, Word has you navigating through multiple menus, especially on a PC, which takes six steps to get to your destination (two on a Mac). The CustomKeys macro speeds up assigning keyboard shortcuts by opening the Customize Keyboard dialogue box and taking you directly to the macro category—six steps becomes one. 

Don’t forget to assign it a shortcut. I use Ctrl+Shift+K (PC) / Cmd+Option+K (Mac)—the "K" = keyboard, a helpful mnemonic. But you can assign the shortcut that resonates for you.

Common Error #2: The keyboard shortcut you just assigned doesn't work

Have you ever assigned a keyboard shortcut only to find that when you go to use the shortcut it doesn’t work? It’s likely you forgot to select the Assign button before closing the Customize Keyboard window. I make this mistake about 50% of the time.

The solution is to go back to the Customize Keyboard window and assign the shortcut again, this time remembering to select Assign. As for the solution to chronically forgetting this step, I’m still working on that.

PC:

Mac:

Paul Beverley’s Macro Library

When you are learning a new macro, don’t forget that Paul Beverley has a YouTube channel. The easiest way to find a video on a specific macro is to search this index of all his videos (scroll down for live links). You can also subscribe to his channel to receive notifications when he adds new videos.

Upcoming Training

The upcoming six-week Macros A to Z course through the Editorial Freelancers Association is full. If you are interested, you can join the waitlist on the course page. The course will be offered again in 2022.
 

As always, I would love to hear from you. Tell me what your current favorite macro is or a tip or trick you’ve discovered. 
 
Be safe and well,
Jennifer