How to Backup or Export Macros in Word

Macros in Microsoft Word help automate repetitive tasks, speed up document formatting, and improve productivity. If you have spent time creating custom macros, it is important to back them up or export them so they are not lost during Windows reinstallation, Office reinstallation, profile corruption, or when moving to a new PC.

Unlike documents, Word macros are not saved automatically with every file. They are usually stored in Normal.dotm or specific macro-enabled templates. The guide below explains how to safely back up and export Word macros step by step.

How to Backup or Export Macros in Word

Follow the methods below based on how your macros are stored and how you plan to restore them later.

1. Understand Where Word Macros Are Stored

Before backing up macros, it’s important to know their location.

1. Most personal macros are stored in Normal.dotm
2. Some macros are stored inside .dotm (template) files
3. Others may be embedded directly in .docm documents

Backing up the correct file ensures your macros are preserved.

2. Backup Macros by Copying Normal.dotm (Most Common Method)

This is the easiest and most reliable way to back up Word macros.

1. Close Microsoft Word completely
2. Press Windows + R, type the following, and press Enter:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates

3. Locate Normal.dotm
4. Copy the file
5. Paste it to a safe backup location (external drive, cloud storage, etc.)

This file contains most user-created Word macros.

3. Restore Macros Using Normal.dotm Backup

To restore macros on the same or another PC:

1. Close Microsoft Word
2. Navigate to:

%appdata%\Microsoft\Templates

3. Replace the existing Normal.dotm file with your backup
4. Open Word

Your macros will reappear automatically.

4. Export Macros Using the Visual Basic Editor (Manual Method)

This method lets you export individual macros or modules.

1. Open Microsoft Word
2. Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor
3. In the left pane, expand Normal > Modules
4. Right-click the module containing your macro
5. Select Export File
6. Save the file as .bas to a safe location

This is ideal if you want to move only specific macros.

5. Import Macros Back Into Word

To restore exported macro files:

1. Open Word
2. Press Alt + F11
3. Right-click Modules under Normal
4. Select Import File
5. Choose the saved .bas file
6. Close the editor and save changes

The imported macro will now be available.

6. Backup Macros Stored in Macro-Enabled Documents (.docm)

Some macros are saved inside documents.

1. Locate the .docm file
2. Copy the document to a backup location
3. Open it later on any PC with Word
4. Enable macros when prompted

This method keeps macros tied to a specific document.

7. Backup Macros Stored in Template Files (.dotm)

Templates are often used for reusable macros.

1. Locate the .dotm template file
2. Copy it to a backup location
3. Restore it to the Templates folder later
4. Restart Word

Template-based macros are common in business environments.

8. Enable Macro Security After Restoring

Macros may not run if security settings block them.

1. Open Word
2. Go to File > Options > Trust Center
3. Click Trust Center Settings
4. Open Macro Settings
5. Choose an appropriate macro security level

Only enable macros from trusted sources.

9. Verify Macros After Backup or Restore

Always test your macros.

1. Open Word
2. Press Alt + F8
3. Select your macro
4. Click Run
5. Confirm it executes correctly

Testing ensures nothing was lost during export.

10. Best Practices for Macro Backup

To avoid losing macros in the future:

1. Keep a copy of Normal.dotm after major macro changes
2. Export important macros as .bas files
3. Store backups in cloud storage
4. Document macro purpose and usage

This makes recovery quick and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Backing up or exporting macros in Word is essential if you rely on automation for daily tasks. Whether you copy Normal.dotm, export macros using the Visual Basic Editor, or back up macro-enabled documents, having a backup ensures your work is never lost.

For most users, copying Normal.dotm is the fastest and safest method, while exporting .bas files is ideal for sharing or selective restoration.