In Excel, a "macro" is a set of recorded or written instructions that automate repetitive tasks or perform a series of operations within the application. It's essentially a way to record your keystrokes and actions within Excel, and then play them back at any time to repeat the sequence of operations.
Macros are created using the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) programming language. This feature allows users to automate repetitive tasks, create custom functions, and perform complex operations within Excel. Instead of manually performing a series of steps every time, you can record these steps and run the macro to execute the actions with a single command to improve your work efficiency.
In Excel, here's a basic process of recording and using macros:
Step 1: Recording a Macro: You can start by recording a macro, where Excel records the actions you perform, such as formatting, data entry, calculations and many other tasks.
Step 2: Running a Macro: After recording, you can execute the macro. There are several ways to execute the macros such as pressing a specific keyboard shortcut, assigning it to a button within the worksheet, or using the "Macros" dialog box.
Step 3: Editing Macros: You can use the Visual Basic Editor to edit the recorded macro such as modifying the codes, adding additional commands, or customizing the macro's functionality.
Macros in Excel can be used for a wide range of tasks, including data manipulation, formatting, report generation, and automation of various Excel features. They are especially useful when dealing with repetitive or complex tasks.