Converting custom templates from 2003 to 2007

[Scott Robinson]

Hi there,

The Documentation group in my company has yet to upgrade to Word 2007 due to
compatibility issues with other software packages (RoboHelp, mainly), but the
change will be coming soon. I have created several custom templates that are
used extensively for our print documentation, and I am wondering what kinds
of issues I'm going to face when it comes time to convert these templates to
Word 2007 format. Since I'm not allowed to upgrade, I have no way to test it
myself.

Each template includes custom styles, AutoText, macros, and toolbars. Will
all these things convert nicely to 2007? Will anything break, specifically
the macros? What other pitfalls should I know about?

I spent many hours perfecting these templates, so any help making our
transition to Word 2007 easier will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott Robinson
Sr. Editor
Deltek, Inc.

 

[Jay Freedman]

Hi there,

The Documentation group in my company has yet to upgrade to Word 2007 due to
compatibility issues with other software packages (RoboHelp, mainly), but the
change will be coming soon. I have created several custom templates that are
used extensively for our print documentation, and I am wondering what kinds
of issues I'm going to face when it comes time to convert these templates to
Word 2007 format. Since I'm not allowed to upgrade, I have no way to test it
myself.

Each template includes custom styles, AutoText, macros, and toolbars. Will
all these things convert nicely to 2007? Will anything break, specifically
the macros? What other pitfalls should I know about?

I spent many hours perfecting these templates, so any help making our
transition to Word 2007 easier will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott Robinson
Sr. Editor
Deltek, Inc.

The styles will convert with no problems. The AutoText will come
along, but the automatic prompt (that pops up in 2003 when you type
the first part of the entry's name and lets you hit Enter or Tab to
complete it) doesn't work; you have to hit F3 instead.

The macros may work without changes, or may need anything from small
tweaks to complete rewrites depending on what they do. A simple
example is if you hardcoded a ".doc" extension for opening or saving
documents -- you now need to be able to handle ".docx". Macros that
manipulate AutoText, or CommandBar objects and their children, will
require significant overhauls. There are new features and objects that
you may want to add to your templates or use to replace existing
functionality with new things (for example, content controls have some
nice tricks that are better than the corresponding form fields).

Your custom toolbars will all be forced to live in an Add-Ins tab on
the ribbon. From there you can add a Quick Access Toolbar button to
display your toolbar more easily. Read
http://www.gmayor.com/Toolbars_in_word_2007.htm for instructions.

 

[Graham Mayor]

If your company is planning the change to 2007 (I hesitate to call it an
upgrade) and expects you to modify templates without access to a copy, then
that's a bit like learning to drive without getting into the car. You should
press for a copy so that the consequences of the changes can be properly
evaluated and the training implications (which will be high) can be
determined.

There are certainly going to be some issues with templates that require
macros, autotexts and toolbars - though you may be able to get away with
using the templates as they stand. Much depends on what they contain. Any
macro that calls upon autotext will have to be revised.

--
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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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[Scott Robinson]

Thanks for the info, Jay. It looks like I'm in for an interesting time! From
what you said, I think it might be better (quicker? easier?) for me to
recreate the templates from scratch instead of trying to convert them. My
company has access to the online Microsoft training courses, so I will
definitely be taking all the Word 2007 courses I can find.

Thanks again,
Scott

 

[Scott Robinson]

Thanks for the reply, Graham. While I do have a copy of 2007, I haven't been
given permission to install it. Perhaps I can push for a second laptop for
testing purposes. The info you and Jay have provided should be adequate
ammunition to make my argument.

Thanks again,
Scott