Thanks to everyone who responded, but I'm still somewhat lost. Most of the recommended readings seem far over my head. Maybe I can focus more clearly on exactly the result I want, someone can tell me precisely what to do in order to get there.
Goals:

1. I want all my recorded macros to be available to me for all documents I might create on word.
2. I want all my keyboard customizations (KC's) for the macros to be available as well.


I need some detailed instructions on how to accomplish this seemingly simple (to me, at least) mission. Someone told me that tech people (and they were actually referring to ME, ha-ha) often leave out steps that novices wouldn't think of doing. I need small steps, as in a recipe. And yes, I know there are usually 5 or 6 ways to accomplish the same thing in situations like this. I just want one, and the simplest.



For example, something like this:

1. fashion a file with all your macros and key customizations and no text
2. Save it as a .dotm file in a certain directory
3. Tell Word in some way that you want it to do vis-a-vis this template
etc.


I'm not desperate. There's no dire consequences if I don't succeed. I can keep reloading my VBA file of macros, and reassigning keys manually over and over. Nothing I'm doing is important to national security, or nuclear .codes or the like. I'm just trying to make my journaling a bit easier. Thanks in advance for any help.