Got a Word doc jammed with forgotten bookmarks?
Manually deleting them one-by-one is torture.
I’ll show you how to remove all bookmarks instantly with one macro.
Let’s clean this mess up.
Why Remove All Bookmarks?
Bookmarks help navigate documents… until they multiply like rabbits.
You might need to remove all bookmarks if you see:
- Ghost formatting issues (weird page breaks, jumps)
- Outdated markers from old revisions
- Clutter making document navigation confusing
Time to reset.
The Slow Way: Manual Deletion (Don’t Do This)
Only sane if you have 2-3 bookmarks:
- Go to Insert > Links > Bookmark.
- Select a bookmark name > Click Delete.
- Repeat until you question life choices.
Not happening for 20+ bookmarks.
The Nuclear Option: Remove All Bookmarks with VBA
This macro deletes every bookmark in your document – visible or hidden.
Here’s the exact code I use:
Sub RemoveAllBookmarks()
Dim objBookmark As Bookmark
For Each objBookmark In ActiveDocument.Bookmarks
objBookmark.Delete
Next
End Sub
How to Run the Bookmark Removal Macro
⚠️ Step Zero: SAVE A BACKUP COPY OF YOUR DOCUMENT.
- Open your Word doc > Press
Alt + F11
(opens VBA editor). - Go to Insert > Module.
- Paste the macro code into the blank window.
- Close the VBA editor.
- Back in Word, press
Alt + F8
> Select RemoveAllBookmarks > Click Run.
Done. Every single bookmark is gone.
Important Notes Before You Run It
- Hyperlinks tied to bookmarks? They’ll break after you delete the bookmark. This macro does NOT fix broken links – it causes them if hyperlinks relied on bookmarks.
- Hidden bookmarks? Yes, the macro removes these too.
- Made a mistake? Hit
Ctrl + Z
immediately before saving. - Save AFTER confirming you’re happy.
FAQs: Removing All Bookmarks
Q: Will this macro delete my text or images?
A: Absolutely not. It only deletes bookmarks. Your content is safe.
Q: Can I undo this after closing the file?
A: No. Ctrl+Z
only works before saving/closing. That’s why you backup first.
Q: Does this work on Word for Mac?
A: Yes. The VBA steps are identical on Word for Mac.
Q: Is there a way to delete only SOME bookmarks?
A: Not with this macro. It’s all or nothing. Use manual deletion for specific ones.
Wrapping Up
Bookmarks are useful… until they’re not.
When it’s time to scorch the earth?
Remove all bookmarks in seconds with this macro.
Backup your file. Run it. Breathe easy.
Clean docs = better workflow. 👊