How to Create a Microsoft Excel Macro

by Greg Lindberg
Create a macro in your Microsoft Excel application.

Create a macro in your Microsoft Excel application.

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Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application that is a part of the Microsoft Office software package. The application allows users to perform calculations, store data in lists and create a variety of charts and graphs. Excel also includes a macro feature that allows users to make shortcuts for specific tasks to be used in the worksheet. An example of a macro is a sequence that allows users to complete a repetitive task quickly, such as pressing "CTRL" and "F1" to make a particular function appear in a cell on a worksheet.

Microsoft Excel 2003

Step 1

Open Excel 2003. Click the "Tools" option from the top toolbar menu and then click "Options."

Step 2

Click the "Security" tab and then click the "Macro Security" option. Click the "Security Level" tab and select the "Medium" or "Low" option. Close the dialog box.

Step 3

Click the "Tools" option again from the top toolbar menu and then scroll over the "Macro" option. Click "Record New Macro."

Step 4

Enter a name for your new macro in the "Macro name" box. Choose the location where you want to save your macro from the "Store macro in" box, then type a description for your macro in the "Description" box.

Step 5

Click the "OK" button. Perform the task you want your macro to complete with your Excel spreadsheet and then click the "Stop Recording" button. Close the dialog box and your macro has been created.

Microsoft Excel 2007

Step 1

Open Excel 2007. Click the "Microsoft Office" button.

Step 2

Click "Excel Options" and then select the "Show Developer tab in the Ribbon" option in the "Popular" category. Click the "OK" button.

Step 3

Click the "Developer" tab, then click the "Macro Security" option in the "Code" group. Click the "Enable all macros" option below the "Macro Settings" heading and click the "OK" button.

Step 4

Click the "Record Macro" option in the "Code" group and then enter a name for your macro in the "Macro name" box. Choose where to store your macro from the "Store macro in" list.

Step 5

Enter a description for your macro in the "Description" box and then click the "OK" button. Perform the actions for your macro with the Excel spreadsheet and then click the "Stop Recording" button. Your macro has been created.

About the Author

Greg Lindberg is a graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in creative writing. His professional writing experience includes three years of technical writing for an agriculture IT department and a major pharmaceutical company, as well as four years as staff writer for a music and film webzine.

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