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How do I create a macro link in Excel?

Published in Excel Macro Creation 4 mins read

Creating a "macro link" in Excel typically refers to assigning a recorded or written macro to an object like a button, shape, or text box, or creating a hyperlink that executes the macro. Before you can link a macro, you first need to create the macro itself. The provided information details the steps for creating a macro using the Record Macro feature in Excel.

Follow these steps based on the reference to record a macro:

Steps to Record a Macro in Excel

Recording a macro is an excellent way to automate repetitive tasks without needing to write code from scratch. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open Microsoft Excel: Start by launching the Excel application and opening the workbook where you want to create or use the macro.
  2. Add the Developer tab to Excel: If you don't see the 'Developer' tab on the ribbon, you'll need to enable it. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and under 'Main Tabs', check the box for 'Developer'. Click OK.
  3. Select 'Record Macro' in the Developer tab: Navigate to the 'Developer' tab and click on the 'Record Macro' button in the 'Code' group.
  4. Name your macro: A dialog box will appear. Give your macro a descriptive name in the 'Macro name:' field. Use letters, numbers, and underscores, but the name must start with a letter and cannot contain spaces or hyphens.
  5. Create a shortcut key: Optionally, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to run the macro. In the 'Shortcut key:' field, press a letter (like 'c'). Excel will automatically add 'Ctrl+' (or 'Ctrl+Shift+' if you use uppercase). Be careful not to overwrite existing Excel shortcuts.
  6. Select where you want to save your macro: Choose where the macro will be stored. Options include:
    • Personal Macro Workbook: Makes the macro available in any workbook on your computer.
    • This Workbook: Makes the macro available only in the current workbook.
    • New Workbook: Creates a new workbook to store the macro.
  7. Fill in the description box for your macro: Add a brief explanation of what the macro does. This helps you and others understand the macro later.
  8. You're now ready to record your macro: Click 'OK' in the 'Record Macro' dialog box. Excel is now recording your actions (typing, clicking, formatting, etc.) as VBA code. Perform the task you want to automate. Once finished, go back to the 'Developer' tab and click 'Stop Recording'.

Summary of Macro Recording Steps

Step Action Details
1 Open Excel Launch the application.
2 Add Developer Tab Enable it via File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
3 Select 'Record Macro' Find it in the Developer tab's 'Code' group.
4 Name Your Macro Provide a valid name (no spaces).
5 Create Shortcut Key Assign an optional keyboard combination (e.g., Ctrl+C).
6 Select Save Location Choose Personal Macro Workbook, This Workbook, or New Workbook.
7 Fill in Description Add a note about the macro's function.
8 Perform Actions Execute the steps you want to automate while recording is active.
9 Stop Recording Click 'Stop Recording' on the Developer tab or status bar (not in ref).

Note: The provided reference focuses solely on the process of recording a macro. Once a macro is recorded or written, you can then "link" it by assigning it to a shape, button, or hyperlink using options typically found by right-clicking the object and selecting "Assign Macro...".

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