can't assign macro to a button

Question

I tried to create a macro in MS Word 2016 for Mac but there was no option to assign that macro to a button.

Answer 1

Hi Gayle,

Based on your description, you would like to add a button and assign a macro to it in Word 2016 for Mac. It is not feasible to achieve it. In this case, I'd like to invite you to submit this idea at our User Voice or vote this similar idea which is submitted by another customer. Many features have been designed or upgraded based on customers’ comments.

Your understanding is highly appreciated.

Yoga

Answer 2

It isn't simple but you should be able to put a button in a group in the ribbon or the quick access toolbar (QAT)  as follows:

Start by closing and re-opening Word. If you don't, any new macros may not be listed. Then, if you want the button in the QAT

1. Go to Word->Preferences->Ribbon & Toolbar, then choose Quick Access Toolbar
2. Under "Choose commands from" on the left, choose "Macros"
3. Select the macro name (the list shows the "complete" macro name, e.g. Normal.NewMacros.yourmacroname) and click the right-facing arrow in the middle of the dialog box.
4. You can change the "display name" of the macro using the "Preferences" button at the bottom of the list of items in the QAT (it's the button that looks like a cog).

If you want the button in the ribbon, you have to put it in a custom group (i.e. you cannot add it to any of the built-in groups). A custom group can either be in a built-in Tab or a custom Tab. Let's assume you need to create a new Custom Group and possibly a new tab.

1. Go to Word->Preferences->Ribbon & Toolbar, then choose Ribbon
2. If you want a new Tab, click the + button at the bottom left of the list of "Main Tabs", then click "New tab". Word will create the new tab and also a new custom group. You can rename the tab by selecting it and clicking the Preference button (see above).
3. If you want a new group in an existing Tab, select the tab, then click the + button and click "New group"

4. You can rename the group by selecting it and clicking the Preference button (see above).

5. Select the group where you want to put the button and...
6. Under "Choose commands from" on the left, choose "Macros"
7. Select the macro name (the list shows the "complete" macro name, e.g. Normal.NewMacros.yourmacroname) and click the right-facing arrow in the middle of the dialog box. 
8. You can change the "display name" of the macro using the "Preferences" button.