Macros are a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel that can automate tedious tasks. In this article, we will show you how to use macros to save time and work smarter in Excel. If you’re new to macros, first let’s take a look at what they are and what they can do for you. Macros are essentially small programs that you can write in Excel. When you activate a macro, Excel takes the instructions that you write and executes them automatically. This means that you can use macros to automate tasks or processes that would otherwise be time-consuming or difficult to do manually. There are many different types of macros available in Excel, and each one has its own unique set of features and benefits. In this article, we will focus on two common types of macros: VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros and Excel Add-ins. VBA Macros VBA macros are the most common type of macro in Excel, and they’re used primarily for automating tasks or processes within the application itself. VBA macros allow you to write code directly in the application, which makes them very powerful tools for automation. For example, you could use VBA macros to create custom menus or dialog boxes, or to perform complex calculations automatically. One of the great advantages of using VBA macros is that they’re extremely versatile –you can use them for almost any task or process within Excel. In addition, VBA macros are relatively easy to learn –once you understand the basics of code syntax, creating your own VBA macro is relatively simple. So if you want to get more out of your work with Excel –and if automation is something that interests you–then learning how to create VBA Macros is a great place to start! ..
Using Microsoft Excel macros, you can run a prerecorded set of steps to automate many of your repetitive tasks. You’ll have to turn on the feature before you can use it. We’ll show you how to activate macros on a per-spreadsheet basis as well as for all spreadsheets in Excel.
Be Smart When Enabling Macros
Enabling macros is not always safe and you should only use them when you’re sure of the source of your spreadsheets. Good macros save you time by automating your tasks, but there are bad macros that can harm your machine.
For example, if you’ve got your spreadsheet from an unknown source, you shouldn’t trust it to run any macros as you aren’t sure what it will end up doing. However, if you know the sender and you trust them, then it should be okay to allow your spreadsheets to execute macros.
How to Turn On Macros for a Specific Excel Spreadsheet
To enable macros in a specific spreadsheet and not all spreadsheets, then first, open your spreadsheet with Microsoft Excel.
When your macro-enabled spreadsheet opens, Excel will display a message at the top of the spreadsheet content. To allow this file to run macros, then next to the message, click “Enable Content.”
Excel will allow the current file to execute its macros, and you’re all set.
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How to Enable Macros for All Excel Spreadsheets
It’s not recommended to activate macros for all your spreadsheets, but if you’re sure you’ll only open safe and trusted files, then you can turn on the option as follows.
Activate Macros in Excel on Windows
If you’re a Windows user, first, launch Microsoft Excel on your PC.
In Excel’s left sidebar, click “Options.” If you’re on a spreadsheet screen, then choose File > Options instead.
On the “Excel Options” window, in the left sidebar, click “Trust Center.”
On the right pane, click the “Trust Center Settings” button.
You’ll see a “Trust Center” window. In the left sidebar of this window, click “Macro Settings.”
On the right pane, activate the “Enable VBA Macros (Not Recommended; Potentially Dangerous Code Can Run)” option. Then select “OK” at the bottom.
Select “OK” at the bottom of the “Excel Options” window.
And that’s it. Excel will now allow any spreadsheet to run macros.
Activate Macros in Excel on Mac
To turn on Excel macros on your Mac, first, launch the Excel app.
In Excel, click Excel > Preferences > Security & Privacy. Then, turn on the “Enable All Macros (Not Recommended; Potentially Dangerous Code Can Run)” option.
You’re done.
And that’s how you allow your spreadsheets to run codes and automate your tedious tasks.
If you’d like to learn more about Excel macros, then check out our dedicated guide on the topic. It will walk you through the process of creating a macro with an example.
RELATED: Learn How to Use Excel Macros to Automate Tedious Tasks
