The Challenge: A Sea of Words
Picture this: I’m sitting in a dimly lit room, the clock ticking away. My PhD thesis sprawls across my computer screen, a behemoth of research and insights, but there’s a catch – it’s way over the word limit. Every PhD student’s nightmare, right? I needed a lifesaver, and fast.
The Turning Point: When Desperation Meets Innovation
That’s when it hit me. What if I could create a tool to make this herculean task manageable? I needed something more precise than the standard word count feature in Microsoft Word – something that could count words in specific sections and under specific headings.
Enter the world of VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in Microsoft Word. With some trial and error, fueled by copious amounts of coffee and determination, I crafted a macro. This wasn’t just any macro; it was a beacon of hope in a sea of words.
The Solution: A Macro that Counts
The macro I developed does two crucial things:
- Counts words under specific headings: It meticulously counts the words in spans under Heading 1 and Heading 2, giving me detailed control over each section.
- Calculates words from ABSTRACT to REFERENCES: This was the game-changer. It accurately computes the total word count of the most crucial part of my thesis, from the abstract right through to the references.
The Result: A Thesis Trimmed to Perfection
The macro worked like a charm. What was once an overwhelming word count now looked much more manageable. I could easily identify where to trim down, which sections were too wordy, and where I could afford to expand a bit more.
Sharing the Wealth: A Tool for All
Realising the potential of this tool, I decided to share it with the world. Whether you’re a fellow PhD student struggling with your thesis, an academic writer, or anyone needing more control over your document’s word count, this macro is for you.
Get the Macro: Your Gateway to Word Count Bliss
Ready to revolutionize how you handle word counts in your documents? Visit the GitHub repository to download the macro: Word Count Macro for Microsoft Word
It’s simple to use, and the repository includes a detailed README.md for guidance. Say goodbye to word count woes and hello to precision editing!
Conclusion
Gone are the days of word count despair. With this macro, you’re not just editing your documents; you’re mastering them. Embrace the power of VBA and transform your writing process today!
