Chapter 10: Excel Macros and Automation – Record, Run & Use VBA

🤖 Chapter 10: Macros and Automation in Excel

📖 Introduction

Repeating the same tasks in Excel every day? Automate them with macros! Macros are sequences of instructions that let you record and play back tasks, saving time and effort. This chapter introduces you to recording, editing, and running Excel macros, using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), and building automation tools to streamline your workflow.

🔁 What is a Macro?

A macro is a set of instructions recorded in Excel that performs actions automatically. You can use it to repeat formatting, data entry, and other operations without doing them manually.

🧭 When to Use Macros?

• Repetitive formatting tasks
• Generating standard reports
• Automating calculations
• Data cleanup and transformation

🛠️ How to Enable Macros in Excel

Step 1: Go to File > Options > Trust Center
Step 2: Click Trust Center Settings
Step 3: Choose Macro Settings and select “Enable all macros”
Step 4: Save and restart Excel

🎬 How to Record a Macro

1. Go to the View tab and click Macros > Record Macro
2. Give your macro a name (no spaces), and assign a shortcut key if desired
3. Choose where to store it: This Workbook, New Workbook, or Personal Macro Workbook
4. Click OK and perform the steps you want to automate
5. Click Stop Recording when finished

🏃 How to Run a Macro

1. Go to View > Macros > View Macros
2. Select the macro name
3. Click Run

📄 Editing a Macro (VBA Editor)

To fine-tune your macro, open the VBA editor:

• Press Alt + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications editor
• Find your macro under Modules in the left panel
• Edit the code using VBA scripting (e.g., change cell ranges or logic)

📌 Basic VBA Example

Sub HighlightHeaders()
  Range("A1:F1").Font.Bold = True
  Range("A1:F1").Interior.Color = RGB(200, 200, 0)
End Sub
  

🧠 Best Practices for Macros

• Always save a backup before running new macros
• Use descriptive names for macros
• Test your macros on a sample workbook
• Keep macros short and task-specific

📝 Practice Task

1. Record a macro that formats a report: bold headers, autofit columns, apply border
2. Assign it to a keyboard shortcut
3. Edit it in VBA to change column range to A1:H1

✅ Conclusion

Macros supercharge your productivity by eliminating repetitive tasks and giving you control over automation. Whether you’re cleaning data or generating monthly reports, Excel Macros paired with VBA are a powerful ally. In the next and final chapter, we’ll explore Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices to master Excel like a pro.