Autocorrect - Replace text across multiple columns in a Word table

Question

I am using customised Autocorrect shortcuts to insert common blocks of text in a Word table. I would like to replace text across adjacent columns  by embedding a Tab character in the replacement text to move to the next column and continue the insert/replacement. I have tried using the Tab key and the Alt9 alternative but the replacement text always appears in the first single cell where the autocorrection is applied.

Is there any way this task can be achieved without using different autocorrect shortcut for the relevant section of the replacement text for each cell in the row?

Answer 1

I thought by embedding a 'tab' character (Alt9) or similar control where I wanted the splits to take place, word may move to the next column before continuing replacement but it appears its not as smart as that and just does a 'cut and replace'. 

Its looking like linking to a separate table via VBA & lookup functions may be my only option.

You're right, AutoCorrect is "not as smart as that". Its internal programming doesn't do what you were hoping for.

Depending on how uniform your tables are, however, it may be possible to do something with a formatted AutoCorrect entry.

For example, if the table is always three columns covering the entire width between the default margins, you can set up a one-row table with the desired text

Select the whole row (not including the end-of-table marker that appears as a square on the right), go to the AutoCorrect dialog where the "Formatted text" radio button will be automatically selected, and enter the name (here Test1).

Note that the cell markers (not tabs) are represented in the list as asterisks -- you do not type asterisks or tabs!

When you type the name (Test1) in the first column of a row in a three-column table and type a space or tab, the entire row of the AutoCorrect entry will be inserted before the current row. If you do the same in any other cell, the AutoCorrect will be inserted as a nested table within that cell.

Answer 2

Cross-posted (and answered) at: http://www.msofficeforums.com/word/42408-autocorrect-embedding-tab-move-next-column-continue.html

For cross-posting etiquette, please read: http://www.excelguru.ca/content.php?184

Answer 3

Hi Eli,

Thanks for your response, much appreciated although I don't fully understand what you mean however.

I do appreciate that the replacement of the text will not take place automatically until 'Tab', 'Enter', 'Space' etc is pressed but what I am trying to achieve is to split the 'With' text replacement across columns automatically when the replacement takes place.

i.e. if I use autocorrect to replace 'Test1' as shown in the image below, I wanted part of the 'With' text to go into column 1, part to go into column 2 etc..

I thought by embedding a 'tab' character (Alt9) or similar control where I wanted the splits to take place, word may move to the next column before continuing replacement but it appears its not as smart as that and just does a 'cut and replace'. 

Its looking like linking to a separate table via VBA & lookup functions may be my only option.

Objective - Typing 'Test1' in Column 1 & hitting Tab would achieve the autocorrect result below:-
Text Column 1	Text Column 2	Text Column 3

Answer 4

Hi Alan,

Generally, the autocorrect won't take effect when the word is selected. So the workaround you can try is that you can use a Tab key and then use "right arrow" key to adjust the cursor behind the word and click the Tab key again. The autocorrect feature will take effect in all cells in a table in Word.

Regards,

Eli