Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. 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: Automatically Running a Macro.
You know that you can create macros within Word that allow you to automate many different functions. You may not know, however, that you can create macros that perform tasks without any intervention on your part. For instance, you can create a macro that Word will run automatically whenever you create a document; whenever you use the New command, this macro will run.
These special macros that automatically run at predefined times are identified by special names. Otherwise, there is nothing different between these macros and any other you may write. Here are the names you can give macros so that they will run automatically.
| Macro Name | When It Runs | |
|---|---|---|
| AutoNew | Whenever you create a new document | |
| AutoClose | Whenever you close a document | |
| AutoExec | Whenever you start Word | |
| AutoExit | Whenever you exit the program | |
| AutoOpen | Whenever you open a document |
Remember that these macros, in order to be used effectively, must be saved within a DOCM document. (That is, within a document that is "macro enabled.") They cannot be saved in a DOCX document, as such documents cannot contain macros at all.
Also, be aware that if you have any add-ins installed in Word, it is very possible that some of these special macros are already defined and operating within your system. For instance, it is not uncommon for an add-in to utilize either AutoExec or AutoOpen macros to run their own code whenever you start Word or open a document.
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 (9388) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Automatically Running a Macro.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. 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: 
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