A macro is a small program that performs a series of actions within software such as word processors and spreadsheets. Most programs come with many macros that can be accessed from the r menu or with a few keystrokes. However, you may find that you can complete the work you are doing easier and faster if you create your own macros. Each software package has its own way of creating macros, but most should allow you to create macros by recording.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you know how to perform each desired operation and where to find all the menu items you need to select so that you do not have to search for them while recording
The macro will record every key and mouse button press, including those that are erroneous, such as clicking on menu options that are not what you want. These errors will occur every time the macro is run.
Step 2. Find the Macros menu and select the option to record a macro
You will see an icon or other indicator of what you are recording. For example, Microsoft Word will display an icon next to the mouse pointer that resembles a cassette tape.
Step 3. Name the macro
Give it a name that makes it easy to remember what the macro does and choose one or more keystrokes that you will use to run the macro.
Step 4. Follow the steps that you want the macro to do automatically for you
Examples are: setting margins, fonts and tabs; creating headers and footers; choose how the pages will be numbered and how you will view the document on the screen.
Step 5. Stop recording
Step 6. Test the macro by pressing the keys you assigned to it, or by selecting the macro from the menu and running it
See if it performs the functions you assigned and if you are getting the correct result.
Step 7. Edit the macro if you can; otherwise, overwrite it
If you don't know anything about writing programs, you probably won't be able to edit a macro. Instead, rewrite the macro to make the change, replacing the existing macro with a new one of the same name.
Step 8. Save the macro, if prompted to do so, as a separate step
Macros are saved in a specific directory with a specific extension. If you change any of these, the software may not be able to find the macro the next time you want to use it.