How can I add a .dot file as a macro button in Word 2013?

Question

I have a macro that I have coded in a VBA module, saved in a .dot file. However, when I go to Customize Ribbon in Word and try to add it, it does not show up. I have tried saving it in the Word STARTUP folder as well as the Custom Office Templates folder.

I would like to have the macro set up so that it loads in all Word Documents as a clickable button on the Word toolbar/ribbon.

Answer 1

I can tell you for dotm files. I think it should work the same for dot. However, you might as well switch to dotm since you have Word 2013.

1. Exit Word.
2. Put the dotm in %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\Startup. You mentioned you have already done this, which is good!
3. Restart Word.
4. Check File | Options | Add-Ins and make sure your dotm is listed under "Active Application Add-ins".
   • If not, hit "Go" at the bottom to manage "COM Add-ins," and hit the checkmark by your dotm's name.
5. Right-click the ribbon and select "Customize Ribbon."
6. In the "Customize Ribbon" dialog, under "Choose commands from," select the "Macros" category.
   • All your macros should be listed there, by project name. You may have to hunt through the list as they will all start with Project. by default. You can change your project's name in the VBA editor, Properties pane, to make it easier to find.
7. Choose the destination and hit Add>>.

Tested in Word 2013, Windows 8, with numerous dotm files.