How to Learn Microsoft Excel Macros

How to Learn Microsoft Excel Macros thumbnail
Macros can replace keystrokes and save you time.

Microsoft Excel macros are pieces of executable code that can automate Excel functions that you frequently carry out. For example, a macro can format a document for you or create a chart at the push of a button. You don't need to know a programming language to write a macro: Excel's Record Macro feature does the heavy work for you. All you need to learn Excel macros is to create a macro once and you'll be on your way.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer running Excel 2007 or Excel 2010
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Open an Excel document.

    • 2

      Click on the "View" tab.

    • 3

      Click "Macros" and then click on "Record Macro."

    • 4

      Type a name for your macro into the "Macro name" box.

    • 5

      Type a shortcut key into the "Shortcut key" box. For example, type "P" to use "Ctrl" and "P" as your shortcut keys for this macro.

    • 6

      Type a description into the description box. This may help you to identify what the macro does at some point in the future.

    • 7

      Click on the "OK" button. The macro is now recording your keystrokes and mouse clicks.

    • 8

      Perform the function that you want the macro to automate. For example, make a chart or template.

    • 9

      Click on the "Macro" button and then click on "Stop Recording." Your macro is now complete.

    • 10

      Run the macro to check it does what you are expecting it to do. Click on "Macros" and then "View Macros." Click on the macro you just recorded and then click on "Run."

    • 11

      Repeat Step 1 through 9 to record as many macros as you like. After you've been through macro recording a few times you'll get a feel for what you can accomplish with the recorder.

Tips & Warnings

  • Make the name unique so you can recognize it in the future. For example, don't name the macro "Macro 1" or "my macro." Call it something meaningful instead like "BillTemplate" or "MakePieChart."

  • To delete a macro, click on "Macros" and then "View Macros." Click on the macro name and then click on "Delete."

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit keyboard image by Fyerne from Fotolia.com

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Learn Macros in Excel

    Excel macros are a series of tasks that are saved and for later use. These tasks can be added to a button...

  • How to Enable Macros in Microsoft Excel 2007

    Macros are small programs that are often used to automate tasks in software applications, such as the Microsoft Excel 2007 spreadsheet application....

  • How to Learn MS Excel Macros

    A macro is a set of functions and commands that can be recorded and played back in Microsoft Excel. Macros are convenient...

  • How to Learn Macros in Excel 2007

    Excel macros are pieces of code that you can use to automate repetitive tasks and customize Excel 2007 to fit your needs....

  • MS Access Macros Tutorial

    Microsoft Access databases can run tasks automatically through macros. Create macros to run a single task or a variety of tasks anytime...

  • How to Learn Basic Microsoft Excel

    Excel is a spreadsheet application that was developed by Microsoft. If you're new to Microsoft Excel, you can learn the basics of...

  • How to Write a Macro Coding MS Excel

    Macros are bits of code that can run repetitive tasks from within the Excel workbook. Learning to write a Macro for Excel...

  • How to Learn Macro Photography

    Macro photography, also known as "close-up" photography, is useful for catching the smaller, often-overlooked details of a subject. It's fun and visually...

  • Excel Macro Training

    Microsoft Excel is a feature-rich application. You can use it for basic spreadsheet calculations or learn how to use Excel Macros to...

Related Ads

Featured