Macro Recording

 



🔍 What is a Macro?

A macro in Excel is a set of recorded actions that can be replayed to automate repetitive tasks — like formatting, entering data, or applying formulas.

🧠 What is the Personal Macro Workbook?

The Personal Macro Workbook is a hidden workbook (PERSONAL.XLSB) that loads whenever Excel starts. Macros saved here are available in all your Excel workbooks, not just the one you recorded them in.

🔁 Step-by-Step: Record a Macro in Personal Macro Workbook

🛠 Step 1: Enable Developer Tab (if not already)

  • Go to File → Options → Customize Ribbon

  • Check ✅ Developer on the right

  • Click OK

🎥 Step 2: Start Macro Recording

  1. Go to the Developer tab → click Record Macro

  2. In the Record Macro dialog:

    • Macro Name: FillSerialNumber

    • Shortcut Key: (Optional) Ctrl + Shift + S

    • Store Macro In: Personal Macro Workbook

    • Description: Fills serial numbers into merged "Sl No." column

  3. Click OK — macro recording begins

✍️ Step 3: Enter Serial Numbers

  1. Click on A10 and type 1, then press Enter

  2. Click on A11, type 2, and continue through A16, or:

    • Fill first 2 numbers (A10:A11)

    • Use the fill handle to drag to A16

⏹ Step 4: Stop Recording

  • Go to Developer → Stop Recording

🟢 How to Use Your Personal Macro

  1. Open any Excel workbook

  2. Press your shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + S) or:

    • Go to Developer → Macros

    • Select FillSerialNumber and click Run

✅ It works across all workbooks because it’s saved in your PERSONAL.XLSB.

✅ Benefits of Using Macros

BenefitDetails
⏱ Time SaverAutomates repetitive tasks like formatting, serial filling, etc.
🖱 One-Click ExecutionYou can bind to a button or shortcut key
📦 ReusableSave once, use anywhere via Personal Macro Workbook
🔄 AccuracyReduces human error in repeated data entry
👨‍💻 CustomizableCan be edited in VBA for advanced automation

⚖️ Pros & Cons of Macros

ProsCons
🚀 Boost productivity❌ Can be disabled by macro security settings
🔁 Automate repetitive tasks❌ Can break if sheet structure changes
📁 Available in all workbooks (Personal Macro)❌ Not available in Excel Online or mobile apps
💡 Easy to create (no coding needed)❌ VBA editing may require basic programming knowledge

📘 Pro Tip: Backup Your Personal Macro Workbook

Your macros are stored in:

C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART\PERSONAL.XLSB

💾 Make a backup if you’re formatting your PC or switching systems.