Thanks Charles. I am using them to create a specific type of document layout for things like introductions, procedures, definitions, processes etc. Each has a particular layout for tables and formatting. Probably about 15-20 macros at the moment. Need to do things like insert tables within tables so have to have functions that tell me if I am in a table and in the right cell etc.

I am fairly proficient in VBA but worked mainly in Access. Built Access apps for decades. Just getting used to Word objects and how to create a ribbon.

If you use one of the mso images, you do not need the ribbon customization.

I just looked at the mso images available and that might answer the question. The customisation ribbon function is only a small number that did not fit my needs. For example I want different images for insert a 2 col table, 3 col table, 4 col table. Will investigate further.

I enjoy learning about new features so think I will persevere with an xml solution and teach myself how to do it. The links you have provided will keep me busy for the next few days as I put it all together.

Thanks.