Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 12, 2022)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
When processing documents, Melinda often has to do the same Find and Replace operations again and again. For instance, a common operation may be to search for a report name in an old format and replace it with one in a new format. This can be done easily enough using Find and Replace, but Melinda would love a way to be able to save her common Find and Replace operations so that she can call them up and execute them at will. (This is easy to do in some programs, such as InDesign.)
Perhaps the easiest way to do this in Word is by recording a macro that performs your Find and Replace operation. The macro could then be "replayed" whenever you need to do the same operation, even on other documents. You could even assign the macro to the Quick Access Toolbar or a shortcut key.
If you don't want to use a macro, then you might be interested in third-party add-in that can enhance how you use Find and Replace. Check out MegaReplacer from The Editorium:
https://www.editorium.com/14843.htm
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11136) 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: Saving Find and Replace Operations.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2013. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word 2013 Step by Step today!
If your document contains quoted text, you might want a way to remove the quotes and format the text in some way. This ...
Discover MoreWord allows you to search for specific ASCII codes in a document. If you use codes to search for alphabetic characters, ...
Discover MoreCan you really use Find and Replace to change the case of text in your document? Not really, but that shouldn't stop you ...
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.
Comments