How to Make a Button for a Macro in Excel

In my recent article, How to Create a Simple Macro In Excel, I outlined the steps to automate a repetitive task. The problem is, sometimes it is hard to recall the key that you set up to activate it. This article shows how to create a new button just for your macro.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• computer
• MS Excel
• A macro already created

1. Excel page with toolbar customization menu Open your workbook – there should already be a macro created for the task you want to automate.
   (If you want a refresher on this process, please see the related article in the RESOURCES section.)
   Right-click the Toolbar to see the menu (see picture).
   Choose the option CUSTOMIZE.
2. Customize Menu On the CUSOMIZE screen, choose MACROS from the list on the left.
   Next, drag the “Smiley-Face” macro button from the right side to the toolbar (somewhere on the existing toolbar.)
   Drop the icon there – this will be your special button to run your macro.
   Cheer up, we are almost done!
3. Assign the Macro Once you have the icon on the toolbar, click Modify Selection on the customize screen.
   Next, click Assign Macro. (See picture at left.)
4. Closeup of Assign Macro Choose your macro from the list and click OK.
   Finally, close the customize box and save your workbook.
   Now, test the macro by clicking the button.
   Your macro should work like a charm!

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the steps carefully
• See the live demo of this on the RESOURCES section of this article
• make sure the macro works using the keystroke version before you assign it.
• You might want to refresh on the process to create a simple macro if this is new to you