Format a Text file for printing using Word

[DaveD]

I need help creating a Word Macro to reformat a text file.

The source file is created by downloading a report from a
mainframe as text data. I need to figure out how to
replace the first character of each line that currently
contain control codes a mainframe printer would
understand with control codes a PC attached printer would
understand.

The mainframe codes in the first column are standard ASA.
For example: 1 = skip to a new page.
space = skip one line.
- = skip two lines.
+ = don't skip, just overprint.

 

[Word Heretic]

G'day "DaveD" <[email protected]>,

<Laughs uproariously>

Oh my Lord. This is the question of the year. Absolutely, no two ways
about it. Because this millennia is so short, it's possibly the
question of the century.

Quite frankly bro, this one is the research project of the decade.
Many software manufacturers would LOVE to answer this one for
themselves at an enormous cost to you.

I mean ENORMOUS.

Think about.

Less graphic designers, editors, proof-readers and page-setters.
Design is irrelevant, we can redesign and reflow like liquid gold.

These people, who I work with every day, are highly skilled
professionals who cannot be replaced by a macro. I have taken the
concept about as far as you can reasonably expect to go, but it is
doesn't go close and many proofing steps, if automated would read
like:

Msgbox "Please insert manual line breaks throughout entire document
where required. Where in doubt refer to Style Guide xxx."

For your own bemusement, I highly recommend searching out products
like ReWorx, AuthorIt, Robohelp, WebWorks blah blah blah ... see
www.raycomm.com for more if required. There's quite a few. Liquid to
print is still the issue of the day as of now

I need help creating a Word Macro to reformat a text file.

The source file is created by downloading a report from a
mainframe as text data. I need to figure out how to
replace the first character of each line that currently
contain control codes a mainframe printer would
understand with control codes a PC attached printer would
understand.

The mainframe codes in the first column are standard ASA.
For example: 1 = skip to a new page.
space = skip one line.
- = skip two lines.
+ = don't skip, just overprint.

Steve Hudson

Word Heretic, Sydney, Australia
Tricky stuff with Word or words for you.
Email (e-mail address removed)
Products http://www.geocities.com/word_heretic/products.html

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