Microsoft Excel is one of the most useful tools used by businesses. This is because Excel is a very flexible tool, which means you can use it for almost anything. The primary reasons for using this tool revolve around boosting productivity and increasing profits, but there are other more advanced uses as well. One of the best uses for Microsoft Excel is for financial and accounting work.
Excel has built-in tools that can help you with your financial records and work. This includes powerful calculations such as those used to create tables and pivot charts. Another useful Excel feature are macros. In this article, you’ll learn how to use Excel macros and the benefits of using them.
What are Macros?
An Excel file that is macro-enabled is called an xlsm file. Macros acts like algorithms, or a set of actions that you can use to run the same function multiple times in Excel. Macros help in automating or repeating tasks by recording your input sequences.
Once the input is stored, this makes up a macro, which is open to any possible changes on the file or calculation you’re making. Macros in Excel are nothing more than short snippets of code that you can place right into your spreadsheet. They can be used to enter a simple number or word into the cell it is in.
How to Enable Macros in Spreadsheet
Using macros is easy, and you can do it by following these simple steps:
- Create a workbook and open in Excel by default.
- Go to the developer toolbar in the top ribbon. If this is hidden, go to File, choose Options, then Customize Ribbon. Check the box next to Developer.
- Enable macros by going to File, then Options, and then Trust Center. Click on the Trust Center Settings button. You will find Macro Setting and can click Enable all macros button.
- Prepare your spreadsheet. You can now create different macros according to your needs.
Benefits of Using Macros in Excel
Many people don’t realize the benefits of using macros in Excel. When you use macros in Excel, it gives you the ability to manipulate a great deal of information from one document. This is also beneficial to those who have jobs that require them to access and update vast amounts of data frequently.
Here are some other benefits you need to be aware of when using macros in excel:
- Automating Complex Processes
Excel has various complex programs such as databases, charts, and graphs that you might need to use to create macros in Excel. Visual basic for applications is a programming language that can be integrated with Excel to create macros and perform multiple functions efficiently. VBA is perfect for developing database-driven applications that require repetitive functions or complex calculations.
- Protecting All Worksheets in Your Workbook
Macros can protect your worksheets by allowing you to create a password that unlocks your workbook. You won’t need to lock each workbook and input the password all over again. This is somewhat helpful if you’re working with multiple worksheets in one Excel file and you don’t want anyone messing with your work when it’s shared in a business network.
- It’s Fairly Easy and Simple to Use
The third benefit of using macros in Excel is that they are straightforward to learn. Macros are nothing more than short codes stored within a document’s body and are used by clicking a button. Most people who use macros don’t have any experience with creating them, so most of the documentation around the internet is just trying to explain how to use the macro rather than providing in-depth training on how to create macros.
Luckily, it is usually relatively simple to understand how macros work once you have been shown how to use Excel’s various features. You can also access a number of online training and tutorials to master Excel and data science which will helpful in fully understanding how macros work.
- It Makes Routine Tasks Faster to Do
If you’re doing multiple routine tasks, using macros will be of great assistance. You can use them to sort and clear the cell contents while helping you retrieve and transfer data in different locations within the spreadsheet. You don’t need to copy and paste data or make calculations based on the assigned data repeatedly. When you lessen the time working on routine tasks, you will have more time to work on other tasks.
Summary
Microsoft Excel has a wide range of uses. You can build databases, build charts, import contacts and formulate calculations for your business or tasks at work. Using macros in Excel can be very useful. It streamlines and records processes that can otherwise take your hours to accomplish.
Macros are used for various things such as creating pivot tables, sorting lists, or creating charts. Using macros provides you with many benefits, including automating your work and making routine tasks faster to accomplish.