How to Create Control Buttons to Run Macros in Excel

Add control button to macro

Excel macros are stored as modules in Microsoft Visual Basic. A macro records your actions and replays them when you're ready to use it. Although control buttons are not created with Excel macros automatically, you can create one later and assign it to your macro. You'll find control buttons within the Excel toolbar. They enable you to complete tasks quickly. You can place control buttons in a toolbar of your choice for easy access.

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a macro by going to "Tools," "Macro" and "Record New Macro."

2. Add the macro's name. To assign a shortcut key to the macro, place your cursor in the text box by "Ctrl+" and press the keys (on your keyboard) you want the macro to use.

3. Choose where the macro will be stored, enter a description and click "OK."

4. Record the actions you want the macro to perform, then click the "Stop" button in the "Stop Recording" toolbar when you are finished.

5. Create a control button for the macro by right-clicking on any toolbar and selecting "Customize." Choose the "Commands" tab, then pick "Macros" from "Categories" and "Custom Button" from "Commands."

6. Leave the "Customize" dialog box open, then drag the "Custom Button" from the dialog box into a toolbar of your choice. The control button will be attached to the toolbar.

7. Close the dialog box and click on the newly added command in the toolbar.

8. Select the macro you created from the list in the "Assign Macro" dialog box. Then press "OK."

References

• Microsoft Office Online: Creating Macros