Using Scripts to Manage Publisher's General Options

Sample VBScript scripts that demonstrate how you can both retrieve and configure the Microsoft Publisher 2003 General options.

Mapping the Dialog Box to the Publisher Object Model

The options referenced in the following scripts correspond to the options found on the General tab of the Options dialog box. To access these options in Microsoft Publisher 2003, click Tools, click Options, and then click the General tab. A mapping between the options available in this dialog box and the Microsoft Publisher object model is shown below.

General Options

The scripts shown on this page were tested using Microsoft Publisher 2003. At least some of the functionality is likely to work on any version of Microsoft Publisher that supports Visual Basic for Applications (VBA); however, the scripts have not been tested using any of these other versions.

Sample Code for Retrieving Values

Sample script that retrieves the configuration information found on the General tab in the Options dialog box in Microsoft Publisher 2003.

Set objPublisher = CreateObject("Publisher.Application")
Set objDoc = objPublisher.NewDocument

Set objOptions = objPublisher.Options

Wscript.Echo "Show basic colors in color palette: " & _
    objOptions.ShowBasicColors
Wscript.Echo "Measurement units: " & objOptions.MeasurementUnit
Wscript.Echo "Use New Publication task pane at startup: " & _
    objOptions.UseCatalogAtStartup
Wscript.Echo "Publications location: " & objOptions.PathForPublications
Wscript.Echo "Pictures location: " & objOptions.PathForPictures

objPublisher.Quit

Sample Code for Modifying Values

Sample script that enables the basic color display option in Microsoft Publisher.

Set objPublisher = CreateObject("Publisher.Application")
Set objDoc = objPublisher.NewDocument

Set objOptions = objPublisher.Options

objOptions.ShowBasicColors = TRUE

objPublisher.Quit

The sample scripts are not supported under any Microsoft standard support program or service. The sample scripts are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind. Microsoft further disclaims all implied warranties including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk arising out of the use or performance of the sample scripts and documentation remains with you. In no event shall Microsoft, its authors, or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the scripts be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the sample scripts or documentation, even if Microsoft has been advised of the possibility of such damages.