Macro of the Month – September 2024 – TextToNumber
Converts a written number to a figure
Welcome to this month's edition! We're diving into TextToNumber, a macro that streamlines number formatting. Plus, updates on my popular macro course, an important AI survey, and my ACES VCON session with Paul Beverley.
This Month’s Macro – TextToNumber
Converting spelled-out numbers to figures can be tedious and prone to errors (especially if you make as many typos as I do). TextToNumber automates this process, saving you time and reducing mistakes. This macro works with numbers up to 999, transforming words like “twenty-three” into “23” with just one keystroke.
How it works:
As you're editing and come across a spelled-out number, run TextToNumber to convert it to a figure. Here's the best part: You don't even need to move your cursor to the word before running the macro. When you activate it, it scans the text to the right of the cursor looking for the next spelled-out number.
Good to know: TextToNumber will also transform numbers larger than 999 without a comma. Therefore, in a sentence like “The botanical garden, established in 1898, features 125 rare species,” move the cursor to after “1898” before running the macro.
Download the code: www.wordmacrotools.com/macros/T/TextToNumber
Related macros:
NumberToTextUK: Spells out numerals using UK convention (e.g., five hundred and thirty-five)
NumberToTextUS: Spells out numerals using US convention (e.g., five hundred thirty-five)
Word Macros A to Z – Final Course of 2024
Registration is closing soon for the last Word Macros A to Z course of the year. Join hundreds of editors who have boosted their productivity through this comprehensive six-week program. You'll learn essential macro skills through video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and live Q&A sessions.
Here's what one attendee said: "I enjoyed being able to work through the course at my own pace while still having regular access to the instructor to ask questions. I was learning valuable things each week that I could employ at work right away."
Register here. Members of CIEP, IPEd, PEG, and Editors Canada are eligible for a discounted rate; check with your editing organization for details.
AI Survey
Are you embracing AI in your work, or are you hesitant about this new technology? Frushour A.I. Consulting & Editorial wants to hear from you! They're conducting an anonymous survey to capture editors' views on AI. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or skeptic, your input will help shape our understanding of AI's impact on editing practices. You can sign up to participate here. Participation is anonymous. Results will be publicly available later in the year.
Join Us for Our ACES VCON Session
Attending the ACES virtual conference this week? Don't miss our session, "Maximize Your Productivity with Macros: Insights from the 2024 Global Editing Macros Survey," on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET. Paul Beverley and I will reveal the 10 most popular macros chosen by editors worldwide, and we'll show you where in the editing process to use each macro for maximum efficiency. This session is a great opportunity to discover new ways to boost your efficiency!
Wrapping Up
Try out TextToNumber and let me know how it improves your workflow!
Have a question or want to suggest a macro for a future newsletter? Reply to this email and let me know.
Happy macroing,
Jennifer
ps: Don’t forget to back up your macros.