Macro of the Month – November 2023 – CaseThisWord

Changes the case of the current word (where the cursor is standing)

last updated: 4/26/2024

This month's macro helps you with capitalization edits. Also, the next Macros A to Z course is now open for registration. 

CaseThisWord

Capitalization is a common error editors correct. CaseThisWord is here to help, and it is one of the most popular macros among editors.

How it works: When you see a word whose initial letter is incorrectly capitalized, run CaseThisWord. It changes an uppercase letter to lowercase and vice versa. It also tracks the change (if Track Changes is turned on). 

How to use it: Place the cursor anywhere inside the word and run CaseThisWord. That’s all you need to do. Because the macro automatically advances to the next word after you run it, if that word's capitalization also needs to be changed, you can run the macro again without having to first move the cursor. 

CaseThisWord is easy to use because you need only roughly place the cursor inside the word before you run the macro, putting less strain on your mouse hand.

CaseThisWord will change lowercase into uppercase, as in this example, and uppercase to lowercase, as in the prior example. 

If multiple words need their capitalization changed, keep running the macro—it automatically advances the cursor to the next word each time you run it.

New feature: This macro will work if you have a series words where you want to change the capitalization of some words but not all, such as and. Here’s how it works:

1. Select all the words. You can quickly select them by placing your cursor in the first word, holding down the Shift key, and clicking the mouse anywhere in the final word.

2. Run CaseThisWord.

3. If it changed something you didn't want it to, add that word to the exceptions list in the code. In one of the lclist = lines (7 or 8 lines down), add the word inside the quotation marks—use a space to separate the terms, rather than a punctuation mark.

When you want to change the capitalization of a few words, but not all, select all the words and run the macro. Any word on the exceptions list will stay the same.

Download the code: www.wordmacrotools.com/macros/C/CaseThisWord

Related macros: CapperMax and CapperMin will change the capitalization of headlines, titles, and headers. They perform a similar function to CaseThisWord’s new feature of capitalizing a series of words and leaving some unedited but function differently. See the May 2022 newsletter to learn how to use them.

Tip – Move the cursor using the keyboard

When you see a word to the right whose capitalization you want to change with CaseThisWord, rather than grab your mouse to place the cursor inside the word, use your keyboard. On a PC, Ctrl+right arrow moves the cursor one word to the right. On a Mac use Option+right arrow. (Ctrl+left arrow / Option+left arrow moves the cursor one word to the left.) This method reduces the strain on your mouse hand. 

Upcoming Training

The next Macros A to Z course begins January 31. This six-week hands-on course teaches you the essential skills for finding, installing, and using Paul Beverley’s macros to increase your efficiency. It is suitable for both PC and Mac users as well as those new to macros and those who have some experience with macros and want to learn how to get more out of them.

Here are what some past attendees have said about the course:

I have learned things I was not able to master on my own that will make my editing far more efficient and effective.

Great format to learn macros at a reasonable pace. I love that it had a structure, but also could be a bit self-paced for when things get busy and you fall behind.

Register here. Members of CIEP, IPEd, PEG, and Editors Canada are eligible for a discounted rate; check with your editing organization for details.

Have a question or want to suggest a macro for a future newsletter? Reply to this email and let me know.

Regards,
Jennifer