Share via

Using Scripts to Manage Word's Track Changes Options

  • Article

Sample VBScript scripts that demonstrate how you can both retrieve and configure the Microsoft Word 2003 Track Changes options.

Mapping the Dialog Box to the Word Object Model

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

Track Changes

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 Track Changes tab of the Options dialog box in Microsoft Word 2003.

On Error Resume Next

Set objWord = CreateObject("Word.Application")
Set objOptions = objWord.Options
Set objDoc = objWord.Documents.Add()
Set objView = objWord.ActiveDocument.ActiveWindow.View

Wscript.Echo "Insertions: " & objOptions.InsertedTextMark
Wscript.Echo "Deletions: " & objOptions.DeletedTextMark
Wscript.Echo "Formatting: " & objOptions.RevisedProperties
MarkWscript.Echo "Changed lines: " & objOptions.RevisedLinesMark
Wscript.Echo "Insertions color: " & objOptions.InsertedTextColor
Wscript.Echo "Deletions color: " & objOptions.DeletedTextColor
Wscript.Echo "Formatting color: " & objOptions.RevisedPropertiesColor
Wscript.Echo "Changed lines color: " & objOptions.RevisedLinesColor
Wscript.Echo "Comments color: " & objOptions.CommentsColor
Wscript.Echo "Balloons paper orientation: " & _
    objOptions.RevisionsBalloonPrintOrientation
Wscript.Echo "Balloons margin: " & objView.RevisionsBalloonSide
Wscript.Echo "Balloons preferred width: " & _
    objView.RevisionsBalloonWidth
Wscript.Echo "Balloons, measure in: " & _
    objView.RevisionsBalloonWidthType
Wscript.Echo "Balloons, show lines connecting to text: " & _
    objView.RevisionsBalloonShowConnectingLines

objWord.Quit

Sample Code for Modifying Values

Sample script that sets the Insertions text mark option in Microsoft Word to Underline.

On Error Resume Next

Const wdInsertedTextMarkUnderline = 3

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

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.