How to Use and Design Excel Macros - Part 1: Macro Definition, Importance, Audience, and Learning Outcomes

• A program that can be written in Excel to carry out a specific function given inputs provided by the user
• Usually used to perform repetitive, time-consuming, or complex tasks
• Increases the speed of data analysis so scientific discoveries can be made and shared more quickly

Macros are a very useful aspect of Excel, but many people do not know how to use them

According to an informal survey:

• 50% of Excel users do not know what a macro is
• 71.43% of Excel users do not know how to use a pre-existing macro
• 78.57% of Excel users do not know how to create a macro in Excel

Macros can be useful to a large variety of people who work with data

Ideal audience background:

• Use Excel frequently and know the basics of the program (There will be a brief description of Excel for those who need it)
• Have at least some experience with computer programming
• Are comfortable using the computer

Participants will learn to:

• Start a macro
• Use a pre-made macro
• Record a macro
• Design a macro

Macros will allow users to:

• Easily and quickly execute complex, repetitive, and time-consuming tasks
• Perform calculations
• Create graphs

Excel Descriptions - shows where to find the macro tools

Macro Basics - describes recording, writing, copy-pasting, and editing

Sample Instructions - guides user through macro creation process

Part 2: Excel