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I have a lot of documents based on one custom template. I have edited the template and new documents based on it are fine. However, I need the changes implemented on existing documents as well. I tried Andrew's macro.

Andrew's macro deals with styles, which is why I queried what it is you were trying to do. He provided it because your original post showed the dialog to update styles. I join him in advising that you not leave that box checked if you use it. When you save a document, it should be unchecked.

First, read What is the relationship between a Microsoft Word document and its template? and What happens when I attach a new template to my document? or How do I copy content and settings from a template to a document? by Shauna Kelly MVP and Attaching a Different Template in my chapter on Templates.

I am a lawyer, and for me, documents are historical records and should not be changed. You create a document and transmit or use it. You save it. Ten years later, you look at it to see what it is you said when you created it. These days, I often save a document that I have finished as a pdf so I won't be tempted to change it. When I want to reuse it for a different client, if it is not already a template, I make it into one that is designed for future use on new documents.

Templates are used to create future documents. You probably should be creating and using templates. Templates have never simply been the stuff that Microsoft provides with Word. They are one of the most powerful components of Word. Here is my chapter on them: Templates in Microsoft Word .

To adapt an existing document to a different/revised template, create a new document based on the template. Then copy everything from the old document into the new one. Save the new one, but not over the top of the old one until you are sure you no longer need the old one. This will not change everything but is as close as you are going to get. Any remaining issues need to be dealt with manually.

Features that can be used to more easily update templates (and documents) to new standards include:

• [Quick] Style Sets and Word Themes in Microsoft Word
• AutoText, Building Blocks, and the AutoText Field

Word is a very complex piece of software that Microsoft tries to make appear easy. For easy tasks, it is easy. For more complex ones, you need to learn how it works, under the hood. Basic Concepts of Microsoft Word - from Shauna Kelly I have been working with Word for more than thirty years and still can't claim to understand all of how it works. Participating in forums like this allows me to keep learning and sometimes be surprised.