How to Create a Word Macro That Finds the Next Placeholder Symbol

Discuss the limitations of the manual method. While a user could use Home > Find and type "" to display instances in the Navigation Pane, this requires multiple clicks and moving hands away from the keyboard. Address the user's core search query— How do I create a macro in word to find the next "" or other unique symbol? —by explaining that a macro replicates the highly efficient "F2" jumping feature found in EMR systems like

Understanding the Need: How do I create a macro in word to find the next "" or other unique symbol?

Discuss the limitations of the manual method. While a user could use Home > Find and type "" to display instances in the Navigation Pane, this requires multiple clicks and moving hands away from the keyboard. Address the user's core search query— How do I create a macro in word to find the next "" or other unique symbol? —by explaining that a macro replicates the highly efficient "F2" jumping feature found in EMR systems like EPIC, dramatically saving time and improving accuracy when using dictation devices like Dragon

The first practical checkpoint is not a generic restart; it is this exact action: Open Microsoft Word and press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor

Step-by-Step Execution: How do I create a macro in word to find the next "" or other unique symbol?

The steps below target Create a Word Macro That Finds the Next Placeholder Symbol and use Insert > Module to create a new module space Paste the exact Find3Asterisks code block into the blank module as the visible reference point.

1. Open Microsoft Word and press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor
2. In the top menu, navigate to Insert > Module to create a new module space
3. Paste the exact Find3Asterisks code block into the blank module window
4. Close the VBA Editor and return to Word. Navigate to File > Options > Customize Ribbon , then click the Customize button next to Keyboard shortcuts at the bottom
5. In the Categories list, scroll down and select Macros . In the Macros list, select Find3Asterisks
6. Click inside the Press new shortcut key box, press your desired key (e.g., F2 ), click Assign , and then click Close
7. Verify the macro by typing "" further down in your document, placing your cursor at the top, and pressing F2. The expected result is that the "" text will immediately be highlighted

Sub Find3Asterisks()

        With Selection.Find

            .Text = "***"

            .ClearFormatting

            .MatchWildcards = False

            .Forward = True

            If Not .Execute Then Beep

        End With

    End Sub

Step-by-Step Execution: How do I create a macro in word to find the next "" or other unique symbol?

• Open Microsoft Word and press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor.
• In the top menu, navigate to Insert > Module to create a new module space.
• Paste the exact Find3Asterisks code block into the blank module window.
• Close the VBA Editor and return to Word. Navigate to File > Options > Customize Ribbon , then click the Customize button next to Keyboard shortcuts at the bottom.
• In the Categories list, scroll down and select Macros . In the Macros list, select Find3Asterisks .

How to Verify the Word Result

Validate the change before closing the app: Verify the macro by typing "" further down in your document, placing your cursor at the top, and pressing F2. The expected result is that the "" text will immediately be highlighted A different result usually means the wrong file, account, or Microsoft Word and press Alt + F11 was used.

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Word FAQs About Create a Word Macro That Finds the Next Placeholder Symbol

Why doesn't my macro save for all future template documents?

If your macro disappears when you open a new document, you likely saved it in the specific document file rather than your global template. To make it available universally, ensure you select "Normal.dotm" in the "Save in" dropdown menu when creating the macro, or save your specific template as a Macro-Enabled Template (.dotm).

Can I modify this macro to find a different unique symbol like "[ ]" or ""?

Yes. Open the VBA Editor (Alt + F11), locate the macro code, and change the line that reads .Text = "" to your preferred symbol, such as .Text = "[ ]" . Save the code, and your shortcut will now jump to the new symbol.

How do I assign this search macro to a clickable button instead of a keyboard shortcut?

Navigate to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar . In the "Choose commands from" dropdown menu, select Macros . Find your Find3Asterisks macro, click Add to move it to the right column, and click OK. A clickable button will now appear at the very top of your application window.

Will this shortcut interfere with my Dragon dictation software?

No, it actually complements it. You can configure your dictation device's programmable buttons to trigger the specific keyboard shortcut (e.g., F2) you assigned to the macro. This allows you to jump to the next section entirely via your handheld device.