Macro of the Month – December 2024 – KeystrokeLister
Creates a list of your custom shortcuts
Let’s end the year with a housekeeping macro that helps you keep track of your custom keyboard shortcuts. Registration is open for the next Word Macros A to Z class with discounts for EFA, IPEd, Editors Canada, CIEP, and PEG members. Also included is information for when you get the dreaded “Word Not Responding” message.
This Month’s Macro – KeystrokeLister
Have you ever returned from vacation and drawn a blank on some of your keyboard shortcuts? Or simply forgotten the ones you use less often? This month's macro helps solve that problem by generating a comprehensive list of your custom shortcuts.
KeystrokeLister doesn't just track the shortcuts you've assigned to macros—it captures every custom keyboard shortcut you've created in Word, including those for styles, symbols, and Word commands. This makes it invaluable both as a quick reference and as a backup in case your macros were ever to disappear and with it their shortcuts. I keep the generated list in my macros backup folder along with my macro code backups.
How It Works
When you run KeystrokeLister, it creates two tables: one sorted by the shortcut and one sorted by the command name.
Each table contains three columns:
KeyString: the shortcut combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+C)
Category: what type of command it runs (macro, Word command, style, or symbol)
Command: the specific macro name or function
You can easily customize these tables by reordering the information or highlighting frequently used shortcuts to create a reference that works best for your needs.
Tips for Using KeystrokeLister
Run the macro periodically to keep your shortcut documentation current
Save the generated list in your macros backup folder as an extra safety measure
Run it through the Macros dialog box rather than assigning it a shortcut (View tab > Macros > View Macros > select KeystrokeLister > Run), since you won’t be using the macro daily.
If you prefer to create your own shortcut list from scratch, check this newsletter post for a link to the template I use; feel free to modify it.
Download the code:
Related macros:
CustomKeys speeds up the process of assigning shortcuts by opening the Customize Keyboard dialog box directly to the macros category. Read more about CustomKeys here.
Word Macros A to Z – Starting February 12, 2025
Start the new year by learning how to edit more efficiently. Over six weeks, you'll master essential macro skills through video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and live Q&A sessions. The course is designed for both PC and Mac users, whether you're new to macros or want to expand your skills.
“I enjoyed being able to work through the course at my own pace while still having regular access to the instructor. I was learning valuable things each week that I could employ at work right away.” —Past participant
Register here. Members of EFA, CIEP, IPEd, PEG, and Editors Canada qualify for discounted rates through their organizations.
Time commitment: 2–3 hours per week, with 90-day access to materials after course completion.
Tip – Word not responding
Has Word ever stalled and given you the message “Word Not Responding”? Paul Beverley has helped many editors navigate this situation. He has now released two videos. Part 1 discusses why the problem can occur even when you're not using macros. Part 2 explains why some macros exacerbate the situation, how to avoid the problem, and what to do if it does happen.
Macros from Square One with AFEPI Ireland
This demonstration-focused webinar will teach you the technical and practical skills needed to use macros. It will provide step-by-step demonstrations for both Mac and PC on how to install macros, assign keyboard shortcuts, and use macros to correct capitalization, edit punctuation, quickly search reference sources, seamlessly add terms to your style sheet, and more. Paul Beverley will be available to answer questions.
When? Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 4 pm – 5:30 pm GMT / 11 am – 12:30 PM ET
Registration: Members of AFEPI Ireland should register directly with the organization. Non-members can register here.
Questions? Comments?
Have you recently discovered a macro you’d like to share with other editors? Do you have a question about this macro or others? Please comment on this post.
Happy macroing,
Jennifer
ps: Don’t forget to back up your macros.