Are you tired of performing repetitive tasks in Google Sheets? Well, fret no more! Google has finally unveiled two highly anticipated features: Macros and Row/Column Grouping. These features are being rolled out to users worldwide, and they are sure to revolutionize the way you work with spreadsheets.
Macros: Automating Your Tasks Made Easy
Macros in Google Sheets allow you to automate tasks and speed up your data entry requirements. With Macros, you can record a series of actions and then repeat them using keyboard shortcuts. This is perfect for tasks that you find yourself doing over and over again. Now, let’s dive into how you can record and run Macros in Google Sheets.
Recording a Macro in Google Sheets
To record a Macro, simply go to the Tools menu and select Macros. This will open up the recording window, where you can start creating your first Macro. But before you begin, there are a couple of things you should know.
When you click the Record Macro button, you’ll see two options:
- Use absolute references: This option applies the recorded Macro only to the specific cell you recorded it in. Not recommended.
- Use relative references: With this option, you can apply the recorded Macro to your active cell. This is the recommended method.
Let’s say you want to record a Macro that types the word “Info Inspired” in cell A1, bolds the text, and changes the font size to 20. Here are the steps to record your Macro:
- Go to the Tools menu, select Macros, and then click on “Use relative reference”.
- Your Macro will begin recording your actions.
- Type “Info Inspired” in cell A1, apply the desired formatting, and click Save.
After completing these steps, you’ll be prompted to name your Macro. Choose a suitable name, and you can even assign a shortcut to it. For example, you can set the shortcut to Ctrl+Alt+Shift+9.
Running a Macro in Google Sheets
Now that you have recorded your Macro, it’s time to run it. You can do this either from the Tools menu or by using the assigned shortcut key. Here’s how you can run your Macro:
- Select any cell where you want the Macro to be applied. Since you chose relative references while recording the Macro, it can be run on any cell.
- Use the shortcut you assigned (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+Shift+9).
- You will see a message saying “Running script” in your Google Sheets followed by an authorization prompt.
Click “Continue” and choose the account connected to your Google Sheets to complete the process. Voila! Your Macro has been applied, and you can see your desired formatting in the selected cell.
Record and Run Macros in Google Sheets – Q & A
Now that you’ve learned how to record and run Macros in Google Sheets, let’s address some common questions you may have.
Question: Are recorded Macros globally available in all my Google Sheets files?
Answer: No, recorded Macros are only available in the specific Google Sheets file where they were recorded. However, you can use them in any sheet tab within that file.
Question: How can I edit the recorded Macros in Google Sheets?
Answer: To edit Macros, go to the Tools menu, select Macros, and then choose “Manage Macros”. From there, you’ll have options to edit Macro titles, assigned shortcuts, and even edit the script itself. If you’re not familiar with Google Apps Script, it’s best to remove the recorded Macro and create a new one.
That’s all you need to know about recording and running Macros in Google Sheets. If I discover any other interesting features or tips related to Google Sheets Macros, I’ll be sure to update you with a new tutorial. Enjoy automating your tasks like a pro!
To learn more about Google Sheets and explore other exciting features, visit Crawlan.com. Stay tuned for more juicy secrets!
