Creating a new Word document out of a master copy based on creteri

[Amy]

My office has a master Word document and depending on the client, we want to
auto-create a new Word document (from this master copy) to include only
selected content that are relevant to client's need. Is there a way to make
this happen, without using a database?

Ideally the way it would work is when opening the Word document, get a
prompt where you check off what you want, and click OK. Word then creates a
new document with only the relevant content.

If using database is the only way to create a customized Word document, I
will appreciate suggestions how to get started on this.

Thank you!
Amy

 

[zkid]

I think what you're attempting is to recreate WordPerfect's pseudo merge
feature that allows you to press F9 to jump to certain sections of a document
and either keep or delete, yes? I have to admit, I miss WordPerfect's merge
features - they were top notch.

Anyway, as far as I know, Word doesn't have a similar feature. If I'm
wrong, someone PLEASE let us know.

My solution is called document automation and is a bit time-consuming to
create the global macro; however, once the macro is done, it can be used on
any properly coded document:

How I've gotten around this is by creating a protected form in the section
ahead of the document. I then place formfield check boxes with descriptive
text next to each box. I appropriately name the bookmark for each checkbox.

Then, in the document, I place descriptive search text around the
alternative paragraphs (for example, if I named the formfield check box
Option1, them the text in front of the alternative paragraph is {Start of
Option1. At the end of the paragraph is more descriptiive search text (i.e.,
End}).

So, the user opens the document, clicks on all of the appropriate check
boxes for the paragraphs to use, and then executes the macro.

The global macro reads the bookmark names of all of the checked formfield
checkboxes into an array. The macro then goes through the document and keeps
the checked paragraphs (by cycling through the array and seaching for each
bookmark name). It then goes back through the doc and deletes any remaining
coded-type paragraphs.

I realize this sounds awful, but once the global macro is done, it works
beautifully. The document itself can be set up by anyone who can do minor
word processing and requires no programming.

Good luck.

I'd be interested in hearing what other people suggest...

zkid

 

[Amy]

Thank you very much zkid. It's a good idea. Now, let's see if I can pull it
off.