Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Dissecting a String.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 13, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
If you have used BASIC before, you will be right at home with the string functions provided by VBA. The following table details the most common string functions and what they return.
| Function | Comments | |
|---|---|---|
| Left(Source, Count) | Returns the left Count characters of Source. | |
| Mid(Source, Start [, Count]) | Returns the portion of Source beginning with the Start character. If Count is supplied, then the result is limited to that many characters. | |
| Right(Source, Count) | Returns the right Count characters of Source. |
When working with these string functions, remember that the Source variable must be declared as a string in order for the functions to work properly.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9301) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Dissecting a String.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
If you are applying formatting from within a macro, you may want to change the alignment of various paragraphs. Here's ...
Discover MoreIf you need to quickly switch a text selection from one typeface to another, one way you can do it is with a macro. This ...
Discover MoreProgram a macro, and you can easily find that some lines get very long. If you want to shorten the lines so they are more ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Comments