Macro of the Month – October 2021 – TrackSimplifier
Accepts the tracking for all formatting edits, punctuation edits, or edits for multiple spaces
This month we look at a macro that helps you manage tracking changes so you can return a cleaner document to your client. And there is an important update about Paul Beverley’s macro library. Can you say “More macros!”?
TrackSimplifier
Clients can be overwhelmed when you return your edits and the document is filled with tracking changes. What if there were an easy way to send them a cleaner document? For your clients who don’t need or want to see every change, use TrackSimplifier to accept all formatting edits or all edits that change multiple spaces to a single space. You can even have it accept all punctuations edits.
When you run the macro, it brings up a dialogue box asking you which type of tracking you want it to accept. Enter the number and select OK. Tip: If you want it to clean up the formatting and multiple spaces, instead of running the macro twice, enter the number 5 because math. 1 (formatting) + 4 (multiple spaces) = 5. If you wanted it to clean up the formatting, multiple spaces, and punctuation, you’d enter 7.
The TrackSimplifier menu on a PC.
The TrackSimplifier menu on a Mac.
Paul Beverley’s Macro Library
In addition to making his macro library free, Paul Beverley generously creates macros for editors when they are unable to find what they need in his library. He’s been busy! He has a backlog of 220 undocumented macros, which he recently added to the Macro Menu. It’s worth checking out.
You can easily identify the new macros: They are set in blue Roman type and are dated. To access the macro code, simply click on the macro name. Most of the new macros do not have associated instructions in his book. (Normally, the brief description listed in the Macro Menu is a link that will take you to the section of his book that provides more information.) If you try out a macro and wish there were instructions, email Paul a request.
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