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Using Scripts to Manage Word's AutoFormat As You Type Options

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Sample VBScript scripts that demonstrate how you can both retrieve and configure the Microsoft Word 2003 Autoformat As You Type options.

Mapping the Dialog Box to the Word Object Model

The options referenced in the following scripts correspond to the options found on the AutoFormat As You Type tab of the AutoCorrect dialog box. To access these options in Microsoft Word 2003, click Tools, click AutoCorrect Options, and then click the AutoFormat As You Type tab. A mapping between the options available in this dialog box and the Microsoft Word object model is shown below.

AutoFormat As You Type

The scripts shown on this page were tested using Microsoft Word 2003. At least some of the functionality is likely to work on any version of Microsoft Word that supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA); however, the scripts have not been tested using any of these other versions.

Sample Code for Retrieving Values

Sample script that retrieves the configuration information found on the AutoFormat As You Type tab of the AutoCorrect dialog box in Microsoft Word 2003.

On Error Resume Next

Set objWord = CreateObject("Word.Application")
Set objOptions = objWord.Options

Wscript.Echo "Fractions with fraction character: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceFractions
Wscript.Echo "Straight quotes with smart quotes: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceQuotes
Wscript.Echo "Ordinals (1st) with superscript: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceOrdinals
Wscript.Echo "*Bold* and _italic_ with real formatting: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplacePlainTextEmphasis
Wscript.Echo "Hyphens with dash: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceFarEastDashes
Wscript.Echo "Internet and network paths with hyperlinks: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceHyperlinks
Wscript.Echo "Automatic bulleted lists: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyBulletedLists
Wscript.Echo "AUtomatic numbered lists: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyNumberedLists
Wscript.Echo "Border lines: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyBorders
Wscript.Echo "Tables: " & objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyTables
Wscript.Echo "Built-in Heading styles: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyHeadings
Wscript.Echo "Format beginning of list item like the one before it: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeFormatListItemBeginning
Wscript.Echo "Set left- and first-indent with tabs and backspaces: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeApplyFirstIndents
Wscript.Echo "Define styles based on your formatting: " & _
    objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeDefineStyles

objWord.Quit

Sample Code for Modifying Values

Sample script that sets the Replace Fractions with fraction character option in Microsoft Word to FALSE.

On Error Resume Next

Set objWord = CreateObject("Word.Application")
Set objOptions = objWord.Options
objOptions.AutoFormatAsYouTypeReplaceFractions = FALSE

objWord.Quit

The sample scripts are not supported under any Microsoft standard support program or service. The sample scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. Microsoft further disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the sample scripts and documentation remains with you. In no event shall Microsoft, its authors, or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the sample scripts or documentation, even if Microsoft has been advised of the possibility of such damages.