VBScript Word.Selection Object

last modified April 9, 2025

The Word.Selection object in VBScript represents the current selection in a Microsoft Word document. It provides access to the text, formatting, and properties of the selected content. The object is part of Word's automation model and is essential for document manipulation.

Selection allows dynamic interaction with document content. It supports text insertion, deletion, formatting, and navigation operations. This tutorial covers Selection with practical examples to demonstrate its capabilities in Word automation.

Word.Selection Object Overview

The Selection object represents the current cursor position or highlighted text in Word. It provides properties and methods to manipulate document content programmatically. The object is accessed through the Word Application object model.

Key features include text manipulation, formatting control, and document navigation. Selection changes dynamically as the cursor moves. Understanding this object is crucial for advanced Word automation tasks. It works with both visible and hidden Word instances.

Inserting Text at Selection

This example demonstrates basic text insertion at the current selection point. It shows how to create a Word instance, access the selection, and insert text. The script ensures proper object cleanup after execution.

insert_text.vbs

Set wordApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wordApp.Visible = True
wordApp.Documents.Add

wordApp.Selection.TypeText "Hello, Word Automation!"
wordApp.Selection.TypeParagraph

Set wordApp = Nothing

The script starts Word and creates a new document. TypeText inserts text at the selection point. TypeParagraph adds a new line. The Word instance is made visible for demonstration purposes. Always release objects when done.

Formatting Selected Text

This example shows how to apply formatting to selected text. It demonstrates font property modification including bold, italic, and color changes. The script selects text before applying formatting for clarity.

format_text.vbs

Set wordApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wordApp.Visible = True
Set doc = wordApp.Documents.Add

doc.Content.Text = "Sample text for formatting"
wordApp.Selection.WholeStory
wordApp.Selection.Font.Bold = True
wordApp.Selection.Font.Italic = True
wordApp.Selection.Font.Color = RGB(255, 0, 0)

Set doc = Nothing
Set wordApp = Nothing

The script creates a document with sample text. WholeStory selects all content. Font properties are then modified through the Selection object. RGB values specify the text color. Multiple formatting properties can be combined.

Navigating with Selection

This example demonstrates document navigation using Selection methods. It shows moving the cursor, selecting text ranges, and manipulating content. The script creates a multi-paragraph document for demonstration.

navigate_document.vbs

Set wordApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wordApp.Visible = True
Set doc = wordApp.Documents.Add

doc.Content.Text = "First paragraph" & vbCr & "Second paragraph"
wordApp.Selection.HomeKey 6 ' Move to start of document
wordApp.Selection.MoveDown 1, 1 ' Move down one paragraph
wordApp.Selection.TypeText "Modified "

Set doc = Nothing
Set wordApp = Nothing

The script creates a two-paragraph document. HomeKey moves to the document start. MoveDown navigates between paragraphs. Text is inserted at the new selection point. Navigation units can be characters, words, or paragraphs.

Copying and Pasting with Selection

This example demonstrates clipboard operations using the Selection object. It shows how to copy selected content and paste it elsewhere in the document. The script creates sample content to manipulate.

copy_paste.vbs

Set wordApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wordApp.Visible = True
Set doc = wordApp.Documents.Add

doc.Content.Text = "Original text to copy"
wordApp.Selection.WholeStory
wordApp.Selection.Copy
wordApp.Selection.EndKey 6 ' Move to end
wordApp.Selection.Paste

Set doc = Nothing
Set wordApp = Nothing

The script creates content and selects it entirely. Copy places the content in the clipboard. EndKey moves to the document end. Paste inserts the copied content. Clipboard operations work across Word instances.

Finding and Replacing Text

This example shows how to use Selection for search and replace operations. It demonstrates finding specific text and replacing it with new content. The script includes case sensitivity and whole word options.

find_replace.vbs

Set wordApp = CreateObject("Word.Application")
wordApp.Visible = True
Set doc = wordApp.Documents.Add

doc.Content.Text = "Replace old text with new text"
wordApp.Selection.Find.Execute "old text", False, False, False, False, , _
    True, 1, False, "new text", 2

Set doc = Nothing
Set wordApp = Nothing

The script creates a document with sample text. Find.Execute searches for "old text" and replaces it. Parameters control search options like case sensitivity. The replacement text is specified as an argument. Wildcards can be used in search patterns.

Source

Word Selection Object Documentation

In this article, we have explored the Word.Selection object in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic text insertion to advanced formatting and navigation, these examples demonstrate powerful document automation. With this knowledge, you can create robust Word automation scripts.

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My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

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