Printing alternative versions of the same file.

[zecubixoy]

I need to create 2 (maybe more) documents which differ on some paragraphs.



I do not want to make 2 different files, because I would need to make the same changes on the common texts.

Is there a way implemented to make 2 different documents on the same file (and be able to choose which version to print)?

[Charles Kenyon]

Is it possible? Certainly. Is it worth the effort? That's up to you.

A simple solution would be to have one document with both versions in it, restarting page numbering at the beginning of the second version. Use some method to repeat the common language. There are some where a change in one part will change all.
Which method is best may depend on the extent of the common language and whether you can use macros in your environment.

Read this (all of it) and write back with questions: Repeating Data (Populating Multiple Like Fields)

[zecubixoy]

Originally Posted by Charles Kenyon

Is it possible? Certainly. Is it worth the effort? That's up to you.

I do not know if it is possible, that's why I ask.

I already searched solutions on Google, but found nothing. I think that I don't know what keywords search for. For example, looking for variations of "different versions" return useless pages.

So, it would be useful if somebody just gives me more effective search terms.

I guess that what I'm looking for is already implemented in Word, or can be done using some feature, like corrections for workgroups (about which I don't even know where to start), or working with listings (I know that is possible, for example, to write a mail letter and print one for each person on a list, and I don't know how to do that ¿maybe fields?).


My boss asked me to keep different versions of the same document (80% of it should have common text shared between documents), and I can see that it would be a maintenance hell to edit each one and copy pasting the common sections.
So, I believe that is worth the effort, because I foresee that, maintenance complexity will explode exponentially.

I can use macros, and I have experience writing macros in VBA and also VB.NET.

[macropod]

Another method would be to use some fairly simple field coding to toggle the variant text. See attached. Simply pressing Ctrl-A, F9 will prompt you for a version (the field coding presently supports 3! versions - 1, 2, 3) and the content will vary according to the version chosen. You'll get the same prompt if you print the document. The conditional output can include not only text but also tables & pictures.

To see the field codes, open the document and press Alt-F9 to toggle the field code display on/off.

[macropod]

Cross-posted at: https://social.technet.microsoft.com...ile?forum=word
For cross-posting etiquette, please read: http://www.excelguru.ca/content.php?184

[zecubixoy]

Originally Posted by macropod

Cross-posted at: https://social.technet.microsoft.com...ile?forum=word
For cross-posting etiquette, please read: http://www.excelguru.ca/content.php?184

I'm an aspie, and this is the kind of neurotypical attitude that I will never understand.

Ok, if those are the rules of this forum, I will respect them.


Those said, please, never again write to me. You quoted a link that says that I had "been busted". That's unfair and insulting.

I accept the rules of this site, -I take for granted your word about that-, but I do not accept being mistreated.

[macropod]

It is not a question of this forum's 'rules', but of common courtesy to those whose time might otherwise be wasted answering a question that has already been answered on another forum. Being an 'aspie', whatever that is, doesn't exempt you from that. Instead of getting your knickers in a knot, kindly READ the material in the link.

[Felicc]

Hi
I just registered the forum because I was searching some info regarding MS office word.
I found this thread with a demo doc file.

I downloaded the file and it was very very useful for me.
I would just say thank you to the author.

I hope to be able in future to pay back somehow