Word VBA Macro for linearizing tables is removing superscript

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29-08-2024

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Preserving Superscripts in Word VBA Macro for Linearizing Tables: A Deep Dive

Linearizing tables in Word can be a useful way to reorganize data for presentation or further analysis. However, preserving formatting, especially superscripts, can be tricky. This article delves into a common problem encountered when linearizing tables using VBA, where superscripts are lost, and provides a solution to maintain the formatting.

The Problem:

The original Stack Overflow post by user [user name] highlights a problem where their VBA macro, designed to linearize a two-column header table, strips away the superscripts from the text.

Understanding the Issue:

The macro extracts text from table cells and inserts it into a new range. The core issue is that the Range object in Word doesn't inherently preserve formatting like superscripts when simply extracting and inserting text. This is because Range.Text only retrieves the plain text content, not the formatting.

Solution:

The key to preserving superscript formatting lies in using the FormattedText property of the Range object. By using FormattedText, you retrieve the text along with its associated formatting, including superscripts.

Implementation:

The following modified code snippet from the original post illustrates the solution:

For curRowID = 1 To curTable.Rows.Count
    ' ... other code ...
    If curColID > 1 Then
        ' ... other code ...
        tmpStr = tmpStr & curCol2Header & ": " & curTable.cell(curRowID, curColID).Range.FormattedText & "|"  ' Using FormattedText here
        ' ... other code ...
    Else
        ' ... other code ...
        tmpStr = tmpStr & curTable.cell(curRowID, curColID).Range.FormattedText & "|"  ' Using FormattedText here
        ' ... other code ...
    End If
Next

Explanation:

1. We have replaced curTable.cell(curRowID, curColID).Range with curTable.cell(curRowID, curColID).Range.FormattedText within the loop where the table data is being extracted.
2. This ensures that when we build the tmpStr string, it includes the text along with its superscript formatting.

Example:

Using the example provided in the Stack Overflow post, with the modification to use FormattedText, the linearized output will now correctly display the superscript:

This is a Test r2c1
This is a Test: This is a Test<sup>®</sup> r2c2

Additional Considerations:

• Character Encoding: Ensure that your document uses the appropriate character encoding (like Unicode) to support superscripts.
• Font Compatibility: Ensure the font being used in the document supports superscripts.

By understanding the behavior of Range and FormattedText in Word VBA and incorporating the suggested change, you can reliably preserve superscripts and other formatting when linearizing tables in your macros. This will ensure accurate representation of your data, improving the readability and professionalism of your documents.