7. Macros
DEFINITION: A macro is a way to automate a task or procedure which you perform on a regular basis. A macro is a series of instructions and/or actions that can be recorded and then set to run whenever you need to perform the task in the future |
Examples of macro use
- Producing a graph from a table of data
- Importing data from another program e.g. prices from a spreadsheet into a flyer
- Exporting data to another program
- Sorting data in a table
- Saving the contents of a worksheet as an archive file and then clearing the worksheet ready for the next day/week
- Printing a workbook / invoice
Features of macros
- Keystrokes or mouse clicks can be recorded to make the macro
- The actions are saved as Visual Basic code which can be edited by hand.
- Shortcuts keys can be allocated to macros, e.g. cont+C to copy, Cont+v to paste.
- Macros can be assigned to a button. When the button is pressed, the macro will run.
- Macros can be saved for future use.
Advantages of macros | Problems with macros |
---|---|
A large number of tasks or actions can be recorded in a single macro | A mistake made whilst recording the macro will be repeated every time the macro is run |
A single click of a button or shortcut key can be used to see the macro running | If something needs to be changed in the macro, the whole macro must be re-recorded |
Macros easily automate repetitive processes | If there are a large number of macros, the wrong macro might be chosen by mistake |
Macros can help to ensure more accurate results than doing the task manually | Macros can be used to spread computer viruses |
Security settings on computers, put in place to reduce the risk of macro viruses, might prevent the macro running | |
The macro code can be difficult to understand for inexperienced users | |
Macros can 'crash' the software or need 'debugging' |
Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you
Click on this link: Macros