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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Yes, you can create macros in the Excel desktop app, and you don’t need to write code to do it. You turn on the Developer tab, record your actions, and stop recording. Excel Online can’t create or run VBA macros, and you must save the file as .xlsm or the macros are lost.
How to record a macro in Excel
Microsoft describes a macro as an action, or set of actions, that you can run as many times as you like. When you record one, Excel captures your mouse clicks and keystrokes and writes them as VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code. Menu labels can vary slightly between Excel versions, and an organization’s policy may restrict macros.
- Show the Developer tab if it’s hidden. On Windows, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and tick Developer. On Mac, go to Excel > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar and enable it there.
- Start recording. Select Developer > Record Macro in the Code group. Enter a descriptive name. A shortcut key and a description are optional.
- Do the task you want to repeat. Microsoft’s own example applies red, bold formatting to the names of overdue customers you have selected.
- Stop recording. Select Developer > Stop Recording.
- Optional: inspect the code. Select Developer > Macros, choose your macro, and select Edit. This opens the Visual Basic Editor, where you can read or change the generated VBA.
- Save as a macro-enabled workbook. Choose Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) as the file type.
Why the file format matters
.xlsm is the format that keeps VBA macros. Microsoft’s guidance warns that saving an .xlsm workbook as .xlsx does not keep its macros. Choose the type in the Save As dialog before you save, or the recorded work will be gone.
Can you create macros in Excel for the web?
No. Microsoft Support says: “Although you can’t create, run, or edit VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macros in Excel for the web, you can open and edit a workbook that contains macros.” In the browser you can still change the cells in a macro workbook. For anything involving the VBA code, use Open in Desktop App and work in desktop Excel.
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Office Scripts: an alternative to VBA
Microsoft also offers Office Scripts, a separate way to automate repetitive tasks in Excel for the web, Windows and Mac in supported Microsoft 365 environments. It includes an Action Recorder and a TypeScript code editor. It does not run VBA in the browser. Availability depends on your Microsoft 365 setup.
| Need | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Existing VBA workbooks, or tasks that depend on VBA | VBA macros in desktop Excel |
| Automation that runs in Excel on the web, with a supported Microsoft 365 plan | Office Scripts |
| Only a browser, and the workbook relies on VBA | Not possible in the browser; open it in desktop Excel |
Macro security
A macro is executable code. In its macro-editing guidance, Microsoft labels the setting “Enable all macros (not recommended, potentially dangerous code can run)” and advises returning to a setting that disables macros once you’ve finished your task. Only run macros in files you created or trust, and be wary of any unexpected file that asks you to enable them.
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