Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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: Positioning the Cursor in a New Document.

Positioning the Cursor in a New Document

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 12, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016


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If you are creating standard templates for your company, you may want to go one step further and make sure the cursor (insertion point) is positioned at a particular location whenever a new document is created that is based on the template. This can come in handy, as it ensures that the insertion point is at the proper place to begin typing in the new document.

This is a relatively easy process to do. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the template on which the new documents are to be based.
  2. Position the insertion point at the position in the document where you want it positioned when you create a new document based on the template.
  3. Press Shift+Ctrl+F5. Word displays the Bookmark dialog box. (See Figure 1.)
  4. Figure 1. The Bookmark dialog box.

  5. Replace whatever is in the Bookmark Name field with a unique name for your bookmark, such as StartHere. (Notice there are no spaces in this bookmark name.)
  6. Click on the Add button. Word adds the new bookmark and closes the Bookmark dialog box.
  7. Press Ctrl+Home to go to the start of your template. (This step is not absolutely necessary, but it makes it easier to understand some of the later steps.)
  8. Display the Developer tab of the ribbon.
  9. Click the Record Macro tool. Word displays the Record Macro dialog box.
  10. Use the Macro Name of AutoNew. This must be a single word, capitalized as shown. (This is a special macro name that denotes a macro to be run whenever a new document is created.)
  11. Use the Store Macro In pull-down list to select the name of the template on which you are working.
  12. Click on OK. Your macro is now being recorded.
  13. Press F5. Word displays the Go To tab of the Find and Replace dialog box.
  14. In the Go To What list, select Bookmark. (See Figure 2.)
  15. Figure 2. The Go To tab of the Find and Replace dialog box.

  16. Using the drop-down list labeled Enter Bookmark Name, select the name of the bookmark you defined in step 4.
  17. Click on Go To. You should now jump to the location of where you set the bookmark.
  18. Click on Close to get rid of the Find and Replace dialog box.
  19. Click on the Stop Recording tool to stop your macro.
  20. Save and close your template. (When you save your template, make sure you save it as a macro-enabled template—one that uses the DOTM filename extension. This may mean you need to use Save As instead of Save.)

That's it! The next time you create a document based on the template, the AutoRun macro will automatically execute, and you will jump to the designated spot.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the WordTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10253) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Positioning the Cursor in a New Document.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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What is 2 + 2?

2016-03-08 11:07:54

Augustine

I tried using the macro in the body as well as Headers/footers. However, the macro does not execute automatically. You have to manually run it. Moreover, when I try to bookmark a heading in the header, where I need to jump to, the result is a warning that the bookmark does not exist. Could you kindly help me out, especially where I need to place my cursor to begin with a changing heading everyday.
Thanks,
Augustine


2016-03-07 12:15:43

Steven M

Step 9 states the macro name is "AutoNew". The last paragraph states "the AutoRun macro will automatically execute". Which macro name is correct?


2016-03-05 09:53:48

Augustine

Yes, now Figure 2 is correct when F5 is pressed.
In the drop down list the bookmarks do not appear


2016-03-05 09:50:23

Augustine

Figure 2 does not show up when F5 is selected.
Bookmark not found is displayed when a new document based on the template is opened.


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