Introduction to Excel macros

Excel macros provide an advanced yet, manageable method for extending the features of the spreadsheet application. Through the use of macros you will be able to format or chart without having to do the tasks over and over again for various spreadsheets. You will be able to integrate a workbook with other applications once you understand how to write, edit, and save them.

The most basic form is a mere recording of the mouse clicks and the keyboard inputs for a specific task. Whenever you create one, it will automate a task once the macro is used. It is thus just a playback of the recording. This is however, the simplest form. More complex macros can be used to display forms or to interact with various applications. The main factor for the workability of the function is to ensure correct actions in the first place. If the recorded actions are wrong then unfortunately the errors will be repeated every time.

For the simplest form you will use the macro recorder. You can activate it by simply clicking on Tools, then Macros and finally activate the recorder. A dialogue box will open where you enter the name, shortcut key to call it up and where to store it, which can be for the current workbook, a new one or the personalize option. Start recording by clicking the OK button and perform the actions that you want recorded. To stop recording you can simply click on the Stop Recording button or select Tools on the menu, then Macros and finally Stop Recording.