Macros in Excel are a series of commands and actions that are recorded and saved as a program or script that can be executed at a later time with a single click. Macros allow users to automate repetitive tasks and increase productivity. Macros can be created and edited using the Visual Basic editor within Excel. They can perform various tasks such as formatting data, inserting or deleting rows and columns, and even running complex calculations. Macros can be triggered by a button, a keyboard shortcut or even by opening a sheet. Excel macros are powerful tools for automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks, increasing accuracy and efficiency, and reducing the risk of errors.
Suppose that every month, we create a report for our accounting manager. We want to format the names of the customers with overdue accounts in red, and also apply bold formatting. We can create and then run a macro that quickly applies these formatting changes to the cells we select.
Enabling Macros
To enable macros in Excel, follow these steps:
- Click on the “File” tab and select “Options”.
- Click on “Trust Center” on the left-hand side.
- Click on “Trust Center Settings”.
- Click on “Macro Settings” on the left-hand side.
- Select “Enable all macros” or “Disable all macros except digitally signed macros” depending on your preference.
- Click “OK” to save changes and close the dialog box.
Note: Enabling macros can make your computer vulnerable to security risks. Use caution when running macros from sources you do not trust.