Macro theory © EIT, Author Gay Robertson, 2019

What is a macro? A Macro is a recorded set of instructions, which can be replayed It can be used to repeat tasks so you do not have to re-enter the same thing over and over again it can be run from a button Examples on what a macro can be used for: Creating a table including multiple calculations Formatting parts of the data on a worksheet And many other things

When recording … Every keystroke, every click of the mouse, every button press, every formatting change, EVERYTHING that you do (including errors you make and then correct) Is recorded and will be replayed later, producing the same result every time

Developer toolbar You may need to turn this toolbar on

File type needs to be changed … So that a macro will attach to the workbook you need to change the file type

Recording a macro … Go to Developer tab, click on A macro needs a name A macro can have a shortcut key You decide where to store the macro you key a description that is helpful

This will appear … As long as you are recording, it should be showing Don’t close it Carry out all the steps you want included in the automation When complete click on Status bar will show that you are no longer recording Save the file to attach the macro

Running a macro … Go to Developer Toolbar, click on Click on the macro you recorded Click on Run If the macro has problems, refer to your plan and see where you might have gone wrong. You will notice that the screen flickers as the macro is running – this is normal

Adding a button … After you stop recording! Go to Developer Toolbar, click on Choose the button (Form Control) Click and drag to an appropriate size for a button, in an empty cell or ona separate worksheet Assign your macro Edit the text to meaningful words

Let’s hope that helped! But, if it didn’t make much sense – I can go through this again!

Why would I use a macro? In business, your workbooks will be generally a lot more complex and a lot larger than the little exercises you are working with

Why else? If you have a worksheet that contains lots of calculations and requires you to produce complex information then design a macro or a series of macros to automate the processes