Macros in Excel - this is how they work

You can use macros in Excel to automate recurring processes and thus save time and nerves. Here we explain how to include macros in your Excel spreadsheet.

Find the macro function in Excel

Under Office 2010 you will find the macro settings in the "View" tab. On the far right is the "Macros" option. Alternatively, open the option with the key combination [ALT] + [F8].

Spreadsheet with macros

Now you can insert macros and use it to perform spreadsheets. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Click on the Macros menu and then select "Record Macros".
2. Enter a macro name, a keyboard shortcut (for example, Ctrl + r) to run the macro later, and optionally a description so that you know later what the macro does in your document. Confirm everything with a click on "OK".
3. In the lower bar you will find a button next to "Ready". If you move the mouse pointer over this area, the text appears "A macro is currently being recorded". Now make the desired settings on the document. When you're done, click the button below to save the macro. If you execute it with the previously defined key combination, it will automatically implement the saved settings.

1. First select a suitable key combination in the macro settings and start the macro recording.
2. Then go to "Page Layout" and then to "Margins" and then to "Custom Margins". Everything you change in the settings is recorded.
3. Click the button to save the macro. Enter the key combination or click on "Show macros" and then on "Run" the macro will be started.

These instructions also apply to Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and Windows 7. To run macros, they must be activated. You can find out how to make calculations in Excel here.