In Excel, there are several places where you can start to record a macro or work on previously recorded macros, but the most convenient way is to enable the "Developer" tab. The "Developer" tab allows users to easily access advanced functionalities, however, it is not displayed in the ribbon by default, so you must enable it.
The "Developer" tab is very useful, especially when you need to perform the following tasks:
- Record or write macros
- Run macros that you previously recorded
- Use XML commands
- Use ActiveX controls
- Use form controls in Microsoft Excel
The following are the steps to add the "Developer" tab to the ribbon.
Step 1: Open an Excel file, and click the "File" Tab from the Ribbon;
Step 2: Click "Options" at the bottom to open the "Excel Options" window;
Step 3: Click "Customize Ribbon" from the left navigation bar, and select "Main Tabs" from the "Choose commands from" window.
Select "Developer" from the list, and click "Add" to move the command from the left box to the right box.
Step 4: Click "OK" at the bottom and the "Developer" tab will appear in the Ribbon.
Similar to other tabs in the ribbon, the "Developer" tab stays visible after you enable it unless manually disabled with the above steps.
The following are two other places where you can also record a macro.
- The little icon in the bottom left corner, and
- The macro command in the "View" tab.