How to insert a macro in Excel

You can watch a video tutorial here.

Macros in Excel are programs that are written in a language called VBA (Visual Basic for Applications).  These programs are written to automate tasks in Excel, particularly those that are performed repeatedly.  Macros are usually saved with a workbook and if the workbook has the extension .xlsm, then it has a macro associated with it. A macro in a workbook can be run from an option on the Developer menu, but it can also be assigned to a button in the worksheet or on the ribbon.

Option 1 – Insert a macro into a worksheet

Step 1 – Select the form control

• Go to Developer > Controls
• Expand the Insert menu
• Select the Button (Form Control)

Step 2 – Draw the button

• The cursor changes into a drawing tool
• Draw a box on the worksheet

Step 3 – Assign the macro

• The Assign macro box opens
• Select the ‘Revenue’ macro
• Click OK

Step 4 – Name the button

• Double-click on the name on the button
• Type the new name

Step 5 – Check the result

• The button is displayed on the worksheet
• Click the button to run the macro

Option 2 – Add it to a custom group on the ribbon

Step 1 – Open the Excel Options box

• Go to File > Options

Step 2 – Create a new group

• Select Customize Ribbon
• Select the Home option
• Click on New Group

Step 3 – Open the Rename box

• Select the new group
• Right-click and select Rename from the context menu

Step 4 – Name the group

• Select a symbol for the group
• Type the name ‘Macros’
• Press OK

Step 5 – Choose the Macros list

• Under Choose commands from select Macros

Step 6 – Assign the macro

• Select the ‘Revenue’ macro
• Click Add
• The macro is added to the custom group
• Click OK

Step 7 – Check the result

• The macro is added to the ‘Revenue’ group on the Home ribbon
• Click the button to run the macro