How to I create a clickable button that returns the user to last point

Question

Word 365. I am linking from one word (e.g., Requirements) to a bookmarked entry in the Table of Contents where the word is defined. The link from Requirements to the bookmark works fine. I can then type Alt-left arrow to return to the word Requirements. But I want to insert a small button (or at least clickable text) that returns the reader from the Table of Contents entry to the originating word without having to type Alt-left arrow or to add the "back" menu item to the menu bar. I can't figure out the correct way to use the Developer tools to accomplish this.

Answer 1

You could add pop-up text by your entry telling the user to use Alt+Left Arrow to go back.

https://addbalance.com/articles/Pop-Up%20Text%20in%20Microsoft%20Word.htmThis requires no macros in the document. An ActiveX button requires a macro-enabled document or template.

Answer 2

To create a clickable button in Word that returns the user to the last point, you can use a macro. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enable the Developer Tab: If you haven't already, enable the Developer tab in Word by going to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and checking the Developer option.
2. Create a Macro:
   • Click on the Developer tab, then click on Macros.
   • Enter a name for your macro (e.g., ReturnToLastPosition) and click Create.
   • In the VBA editor, enter the following code:

          Sub ReturnToLastPosition()
              ActiveDocument.Bookmarks("LastPosition").Select
          End Sub
     

   • Close the VBA editor.
3. Insert a Bookmark:
   • Place your cursor at the point you want to return to (e.g., the word "Requirements").
   • Go to the Insert tab, click on Bookmark, name it LastPosition, and click Add.
4. Add a Button:
   • In the Developer tab, click on Insert and choose a Button (Form Control).
   • Draw the button on your document.
   • When prompted, assign the macro you created (ReturnToLastPosition) to the button.
5. Test the Button:
   • Click the button after navigating to the Table of Contents entry, and it should return you to the last position marked by the bookmark.

This method allows you to create a functional button that returns the user to the last point without needing to use keyboard shortcuts or additional menu items.